Climate Change
Mandate
The 2007 OSCE Madrid Declaration on Environment and Security recognizes the linkages between environment and security. It acknowledges climate change as a long-term challenge and highlights its potential to magnify existing environmental challenges. It also refers to the complementary role of the OSCE in addressing climate change challenge in its specific region.
The 2009 MC Decision on Migration Management tasks the Permanent Council, its informal subsidiary bodies and the OSCE executive structures to contribute to international efforts to assess the possible impact of environmental degradation on migratory pressures, which climate change may magnify, in order to ensure better preparedness in this area.
The 2013 Kiev Ministerial Council Decision on Improving the Environmental Footprint of Energy-related Activities in the OSCE Region recognizes that a responsible and sustainable management of natural and energy resources can improve the environment, curb climate change, boost economic growth and contribute to security and stability.
The 2014 Basel Ministerial Council Decision on Enhancing Disaster Risk Reduction notes the exacerbating effect climate change may have on the frequency and magnitude of disasters, and the importance of climate change mitigation and adaptation to effectively reducing disaster risk.
The 2021 MC Decision on Strengthening Co-operation to Address the Challenges Caused by Climate Change calls the OSCE Participating States to intensify their dialogue and co-operation towards climate resilience, adaptation, and mitigation including through climate risk analysis, early warning, joint research & investment, and exchange of information and best practices in the area of technology & innovation. It also calls for promoting the effective participation of women in climate-related decision-making processes. The Decision tasks the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities and the OSCE field operations as well as other relevant OSCE Executive Structures to assist participating States in implementing the provisions of this decision, in co-operation with other relevant regional and international organizations.
Role of the OSCE
The OSCE provides a platform for political dialogue on risks associated with climate change. Various OSCE meetings and fora offer the venue for addressing climate change through the lens of a wide range of issues, such as disaster risk reduction, water diplomacy, energy, and sustainable cities.
The OSCE, together with its international partners, also implements activities on the ground to raise awareness and to assess and address potential security risks stemming from climate change. Some examples of the OSCE’s work in this field are: Participatory assessment of potential security risks stemming from climate change in Central Asia, Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and the South Eastern Europe; identification and mapping of vulnerable geographical areas; and development of transboundary adaptation measures for shared ecosystems.