Understanding Climate Security: Insights from the Foreign Secretary at New York Climate Week

It is truly a pleasure to return to New York Climate Week, and I must express that this is my second favourite Climate Week globally, just behind London, of course.

It is indeed fantastic to be here, and I would like to start on a note of optimism. Despite the challenging political landscape we face, projections indicate that by 2026, we will witness an investment of $2.2 trillion in clean energy, surpassing the $1.2 trillion allocated to fossil fuels.

This is certainly deserving of a round of applause, ladies and gentlemen.

Last year, I stood before you as the Energy Secretary, and now, as the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, I remain passionately committed to the cause championed during New York Climate Week and the broader fight for climate action.

Recognising Climate Change as a National Security Issue

Today, I wish to make a straightforward assertion: the issues of climate change and nature loss present urgent national security challenges that necessitate an approach commensurate with the scale of the crisis. This requires a fundamental shift in our perspectives and in the prioritisation of these matters within government.

Reflecting on my experience over nearly two decades, I have witnessed a significant evolution in the perception of climate change. During my tenure as Climate Change Secretary in 2008, climate issues and environmental degradation were often relegated to the periphery, considered important yet distinct from the central objectives of economic growth and energy security.

Over the years, however, awareness has grown regarding the opportunities presented by the energy transition, particularly concerning the creation of quality jobs that many citizens across our nations seek. Additionally, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the vulnerabilities associated with reliance on fossil fuel markets, often described in the UK as the ‘fossil fuel roller coaster.’ The ongoing situation with Iran has further reinforced this narrative, leading many to understand the imperative for energy security and independence through clean energy sources.

Understanding the Consequences of Climate Change

While we recognise the potential for job creation and energy security, I argue that we must also acknowledge the national security implications of climate change. The evidence is stark and, I must warn you, somewhat grim. In the first four months of 2026 alone, over 150 million hectares of land have burned globally. We are witnessing unprecedented extreme heat leading to significant loss of life, as well as devastating floods in Nepal caused by glacial collapse and the looming threat of a particularly strong El Niño, as noted by Prime Minister Albanese.

The crisis of nature loss is equally pressing, with ecosystems suffering degradation in every corner of the globe. This alarming situation is underscored by the UK’s recent nature security assessment, which is available for all to review.

These alarming facts compel us to elevate climate breakdown to a priority for foreign ministers and heads of state, alongside energy and climate ministers. The security community must engage deeply with these issues, not merely activists and environmental advocates.

Shifting Our Approach to Risk Assessment

Accepting this reality leads to several key implications. Firstly, we must reevaluate our risk assessment methodologies; climate and nature must be integrated into national security frameworks, including threat assessments and contingency plans. It is vital for countries to share intelligence, as a crisis originating in one nation can swiftly propagate through supply chains, financial markets, and migration patterns, impacting others.

Secondly, we must enhance our capacity to manage these cross-border shocks. This includes better forecasting and early warning systems, strengthening resilient infrastructure, and implementing effective disaster risk financing and insurance strategies. We must work to prevent crises rather than simply responding to their aftermath.

Lastly, while we cannot circumvent the effects of climate change that are already manifesting, we have control over the severity of these impacts. It is our collective responsibility—if we care about national security and the safety of our populations—to take decisive action against the climate crisis.

Commitments and Actions from the UK Government

Since our last gathering, the UK has made significant strides, having passed pioneering carbon budgets aligned with the 1.5-degree target, aiming for an 87% reduction in emissions by 2040. We have also announced a commitment of £400 million to the Tropical Forest Forever facility, which aims to bolster international efforts to protect tropical forests.

Moreover, we are advancing our ambitious clean power initiative, targeting a fully clean power system by 2030. These actions exemplify our government’s commitment to prioritising clean energy as a cornerstone of our economic, energy security, and national security policies.

As Foreign Secretary, I pledge that the UK will continue to pursue this national security imperative, leveraging our extensive embassy network and expertise to collaborate with others. This includes engagements at New York Climate Week, the upcoming UN General Assembly, the annual meetings of the World Bank and IMF this autumn, COP31, and during our G20 presidency next year.

A Call to Action for Global Collaboration

In conclusion, I want to emphasise three crucial points. First, we can achieve our goals, and it is vital to acknowledge this. If we do not, no one else will. Following the Copenhagen climate summit in 2009, which fell short of expectations, we faced a trajectory towards a four-degree world. Today, we are on a path towards approximately a two-and-a-half-degree increase—still alarming but indicative of progress.

Secondly, we must act because our generation bears a unique responsibility. Unlike in the past, when the climate crisis seemed a distant threat, we now witness its unfolding reality. However, we still have time to make meaningful change, which is why action is imperative.

Finally, I believe we will succeed because countries worldwide increasingly recognise this threat and understand that collective action is essential for resolution. Last year, I urged you not to abandon multilateralism, and I am encouraged to see that nations are committed to this collaborative approach. No single country can tackle climate change alone; it requires a united effort.

Ultimately, this is about safeguarding our nations, strengthening our economies, and ensuring the sustainability of our planet and its inhabitants for generations to come. I hope you enjoy the remainder of New York Climate Week. Thank you very much.