Terrorists are relocating rapidly due to climate change

Climate change and terrorists

Climate change is casting a long shadow over global security, as new research reveals a significant correlation between environmental changes and shifts in terrorist activity.

This exploratory study, led by Dr. Jared Dmello from the University of Adelaide’s School of Social Sciences, underscores the complex ways in which climate change directly impacts patterns of terrorism.

Consequently, this marks a critical advancement in our understanding of global security dynamics.

Terrorist relocation due to climate change

The intensity of climate change contributed to terrorists relocating to new areas. Additionally, this shift in terrorist activity also followed a seasonal pattern.

Global security and social equity

This research is crucial for grasping the complex factors like climate change driving terrorist activity. It also plays a key role in shaping global security strategies, including those of Australia.

Linking climate change and terrorism

Recently joining the University of Adelaide in early 2024, Dr. Dmello has achieved significant milestones. He has co-edited a book on security in the Arctic and plans to delve deeper into how resource inequities affect radicalization.

Implications of climate change and terrorism link

• National security planning
• Policy development
• International cooperation
• Environmental policies
• Public awareness and education
• Research and innovation
• Societal well-being

The full study was published in the journal Applied Security Research.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Explanation:

The article discusses the connection between climate change and shifts in terrorist activity, highlighting the need for climate action (SDG 13). It also emphasizes the implications for global security and the role of partnerships in addressing these interconnected challenges (SDG 16 and SDG 17).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters
• Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
• Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all
• Target 17.6: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources
• Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning
• Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels

Explanation:

The article’s content aligns with the targets mentioned above. It emphasizes the need to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards (Target 13.1), reduce violence and related death rates (Target 16.1), promote the rule of law and equal access to justice (Target 16.3), enhance global partnerships for sustainable development (Target 17.6), improve education and awareness on climate change (Target 13.3), and ensure inclusive decision-making (Target 16.7).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator: Changes in patterns of terrorist activity in response to climate change
• Indicator: Correlation between environmental changes and shifts in terrorist activity
• Indicator: Implications for national security planning and policy development
• Indicator: Importance of international cooperation in addressing climate change and terrorism
• Indicator: Need for increased public awareness and education on the link between climate change and terrorism
• Indicator: Call for integrated solutions that address the environmental, social, and political dimensions of climate change and terrorism

Explanation:

The article suggests several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include changes in patterns of terrorist activity in response to climate change, the correlation between environmental changes and shifts in terrorist activity, implications for national security planning and policy development, the importance of international cooperation, the need for increased public awareness and education, and the call for integrated solutions that address multiple dimensions of climate change and terrorism.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators