The Federal Foreign Office, in cooperation with the City of Freiburg and supported by Adelphi Research, organised from November 6-7, 2008 the international conference "Climate Change as a Security Threat - Strategies for Policy-Makers, Science and Business". The conference took place in the Freiburg Concert Hall.

Background and Conference Aims

From the melting Arctic glaciers to the growing African deserts, climate change is a reality. While it threatens prosperity and well-being throughout the world, the impact is likely to be most severe in regions where people are already socially and economically vulnerable. Rising sea-levels and increased occurrence of extreme weather events such as storms, droughts and floods will exacerbate pressure on already scarce resources, particularly water, land and food. Competition for these scarce resources is also likely to fuel migration. Climate change is therefore set to reshape the geopolitics of the world in which we live, with far-reaching consequences for peace and security.

To address this challenge and discuss possible solutions, the Federal Foreign Office organised an international conference titled "Climate Change as a Security Threat - Strategies for Policy-Makers, Science and Business" held in Freiburg, Germany, from 6-7 November 2008. Representatives of international organizations, the EU and its Member States, cities, the private sector, and the scientific community assembled in Freiburg to discuss with 500 participants the implications of new conflict constellations caused by climate change. What kinds of conflicts are likely to occur? What does this mean for the overall relationship between the North and the South and how the relationship of neighbouring countries will be affected?

Moreover, the Freiburg Conference aimed to move beyond a mere risk assessment. Panels focused on different levels of engagement addressing different stakeholder configurations. A first round discussed: What is the role of the international community, the EU and its Member States a few weeks ahead of the next round of international climate negotiations in Poznan (Poland)?

A second round focused on the technological options available to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Given Freiburg’s reputation as a solar city the energy sector played a crucial role during these discussions. The concluding round aimed to point out the important role of cities and municipalities as drivers of change throughout the world. Cities are part of the solution to climate change, but urban livelihoods may also suffer severe consequences from climate change.

The Conference aimed to bring these issues to the attention of a broader public. To this end there was a special programme of side events such as the exhibition "Environment, Conflict and Cooperation".

Freiburg is among the world’s leading cities for climate protection. Apart from an ambitious climate protection programme, it hosts a unique network of researcher, business and civil society organizations committed to environmental protection. One prominent example is the international organization ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, which has its European office in Freiburg.

- The Federal Foreign Office

- German Advisory Council on Global Change