Environment and National Security - Exploring the Risk Pathways
Publisher: Agile Initiative and Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford
Date: 2026
Topics: Climate Change, Governance, Weapons, Waste, and Pollution
Countries: United Kingdom
This report presents a forward-looking research agenda to address evidence needs in response to the climate and biosphere emergency and its implications for UK national security. It is the result of a six-month collaboration between researchers from the University of Oxford working closely with policymakers from 15 UK Government departments, statutory bodies, and military services.
National security depends not only on military defence but also on social and geopolitical stability. This in turn depends on a habitable climate and healthy ecosystems that provide food, water and oxygen, protect from hazards and support human wellbeing.