Weaponization of Climate and Environment Crises: Risks, Realities, and Consequences

Abstract

Climate change agendas are predominantly driven by political or economic ambitions, sometimes unconnected to concerns for environmental sustainability. Consequently, it can result in an environment fostering antagonism, disputes over power and risk of prolonged confrontations, hindering collective global efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Through the current discourse, we aim to provide a preliminary definition of the weaponization of climate change and environmental degradation and examine its risks and consequences on international relations, political dynamics, public perception, and the comprehensive integrity of climate action. We also recommend embracing a globally coordinated, scientifically substantiated approach to circumvent climate change.

Keywords: geopolitics, international trade, polarization, climate change denialism, science impartiality, climate technologies