Emergent Conflict over Climate Change

Abstract

This chapter applies the theoretical considerations of the first part of this book to one of the most important environmental and security issues of the early twenty-first century. Ever since the industrial revolution fossil fuel burning and other human activities have increased the concentration of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. There is now a scientific consensus that anthropogenic emissions are contributing to global warming. The warming to date is already having a clear impact on human well-being and the survival of other species. It is also clear that the issue has opened conflicts of interests between different groups within states, between states, and across generations.