- Bilingual English/Japanese
IGES organised the Asia Pacific Climate Security (APCS) International Workshop, together with its
partner - the Institute for Future Initiatives of the University of Tokyo, and our collaborators from
Sasakawa Peace Foundation. The two-day workshop gathered a wide range of knowledge on climate
security from researchers and practitioners across the Asia-Pacific. APCS project members and 12
external speakers from around the world contributed their expert insights under the overarching
theme of climate security.
The workshop was structured around two key objectives: first, to identify the climate-related security
risks, challenges and opportunities that are unique to local contexts in the Asia-Pacific region;
and second, to discuss possible solutions and potential policy applications of the knowledge being
produced.
The first day of discussions focused on traditional and national security issues. During this session,
speakers highlighted the accelerating impact of climate change on human security, and how it is
disproportionately affecting certain areas of the world, leading to population displacement and
economic instability. In this context, the discussion pointed out that tensions over key resources and
the growing geostrategic interest in the Arctic are pressing concerns that must be addressed in the
frame of international security.
On the second day, non-traditional and human security concerns were the focus of the discussion. The
keynote speaker’s presentation on climate security in Southeast Asia incorporated a comprehensive
approach that identified gaps in policy responses, evidencing a need to identify priorities. In this
context, regional perspectives were shared, with three speakers sharing their insights on local climate
security challenges in the Philippines, the Pacific and the Hindu Kush Himalaya region. The following
session examined policy implications for Japan and its potential to lead development assistance in
the Asia-Pacific by integrating climate security considerations—particularly in addressing regional
challenges such as food insecurity and disaster risk management.
The concluding session identified some aspects of climate security that are under-researched, such
as loss and damage from climate change, finance for mitigating climate security risks, and setting a
timeframe for activities. Various perspectives, challenges and shortcomings were shared, providing
valuable insights for further research in this area that allowed the workshop to conclude on a positive
note.
This report aims to give a comprehensive summary of the intensive discussions and wide-ranging
views among workshop participants. It presents 4 key points and 6 options for future consideration to
provide policymakers, practitioners and other stakeholders with a snapshot of the discussion. Readers
can find detailed information on the examples or cases cited in each bullet point in the following
proceedings section.
- Bilingual English/Japanese
