CERAC is pleased to host a COP31 side event at the Benelux-EIB pavilion on 18 November, entitled Climate Security Beyond Borders: Understanding Risks in an Interconnected World.
As climate change increasingly acts as a risk multiplier, the event will explore the links between climate change and international security, with a particular focus on how climate-related developments occurring outside Europe can trigger or amplify risks within Europe through transboundary pathways. From disruptions to global food systems and supply chains to pressures on critical resources and infrastructure, the discussion will highlight why climate resilience and preparedness require a stronger understanding of our interconnected world.
The event will also showcase CERAC’s work on climate resilience, highlighting insights from the Belgian Climate Risk Assessment and ongoing research into transboundary climate risks and international climate security.
Climate impacts increasingly transcend national borders, affecting economies, societies and security through interconnected systems such as trade, supply chains, food production, energy networks and geopolitical stability. As countries strengthen their resilience to climate change, understanding these international dimensions of climate risk is becoming a strategic priority. This session will bring together European policymakers, researchers and practitioners to explore emerging approaches to climate security and discuss how governments can better anticipate and respond to cross-border climate risks.
The session will open with a brief introduction to the growing importance of international climate security, including insights from the work of the Belgian Climate Risk Assessment Centre (CERAC) on assessing and anticipating these interconnected challenges. This will be followed by a high-level panel discussion exploring how to strengthen resilience and enhance cooperation in response to transboundary climate risks.
Practical information for participants is provided below.
- Date: 18 November
- Time: 17:30-19:00 (local time)
- Venue: Benelux-EIB Pavilion, Blue Zone, COP31
- Organiser: CERAC
- Format: Keynote interventions & Expert panel discussion followed by audience Q&A
We are pleased to welcome a distinguished group of speakers from across Europe and beyond, bringing expertise from policymaking, research, and practice. Their insights will help enrich the discussion on climate resilience in an increasingly complex world.
The 90-minute programme will combine keynotes, expert discussion and audience engagement to explore the growing links between climate change, resilience and international security.
The Belgian Climate Risk Assessment Center (CERAC) work is dedicated to the analysis of climate and environment risks in the middle and long term. It aims at creating a future where Belgian citizens, territory and society are safer and more resilient.
For this, the center produces independent risk assessments and provides Belgian policymakers with relevant information and recommendations. The center reports primarily to the National Security Council, with a focus on risks for national security and resilience, and other federal authorities. Their reports and recommendations are also available to regional and local policymakers, citizens and other stakeholders.