The Evolution of Environmental Issue in International Relations

Reasons for the Growing Importance of the Environmental Factor

Environmental Diplomacy

Environmental Security

Implications of the Environmental Agenda for International Politics

The Evolution of the Environmental Issue in International Relations

Traditionally, possession of natural resources has been seen as a key facet of a state’s power. But a state-centred approach has limited utility in an environmental context. Areas of the biosphere such as waterways and air do not belong exclusively to certain states.

Reasons for the growing importance of the environmental factor

1. The impact of space exploration
2. An increase in the absolute amount of pollution through industrialisation, urbanisation and population growth
3. A steady increase in scientific knowledge about pollution
4. Globalisation and the emergence of transnational pressure groups (ie Greenpeace)

Environmental Diplomacy

One of the most notable examples of environmental diplomacy was the 1992 UN Conference on the Environment and Development at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Known as the Earth Summit, this conference promoted the idea of sustainable economic development. That is, economic growth which does not compromise the eco-system on which future economic activity ultimately rests.

Environmental Security

There is a growing recognition that security can no longer be simply understood in terms of a perceived military threat. Dangers to a state's existence may emanate from the changes in the international environment. In February 2004, a Pentagon report stated that climate change represented a greater national security threat than international terrorism.

Implications of the Environmental Factor for International Relations

1. International environmental issues occupy a prominent place among the concerns of national decision-makers.
2. Such concerns are not evenly distributed but are likely to increase in the future.
3. Globalisation has highlighted rather than resolved the tension between 'greening' and development.

4. Environmental issues present one of the most formidable challenges to the realist approach to IR.

5. It is still possible to reconcile the system of sovereign states with environmental but only if states are prepared to radically widen their concept of the national interest.