German politicians from both the center-right Union and Green parties are raising concerns over emerging security risks linked to the consequences of climate change, advocating for its prominent consideration within the newly formed National Security Council (NSC).
CDU Member of Parliament Roderich Kiesewetter cautioned against dismissing climate change solely as an environmental issue, stating that it functions as a “catalyst for existing conflicts” and a “major driver of migration”. He emphasized the necessity of incorporating expertise on climate change within the NSC’s operational structure.
Green Party parliamentary group deputy Konstantin von Notz criticized the German government for allegedly failing to fully grasp the magnitude of the crisis. He highlighted the potential for global warming to trigger “a massive catastrophe” impacting the nation’s natural resources, economic prosperity, public health and internal security. Von Notz specifically referenced the assessment by the Federal Intelligence Service (BND), which classifies the ramifications of climate change as a threat to Germany’s security. He urged that this understanding be properly reflected in the nation’s security architecture, including the NSC.
Ottmar Edenhofer, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), concurred with these assessments, underscoring the need for Germany to “geopolitically awaken”. He maintained that climate change constitutes a critical security policy concern and that a national security council addressing geopolitical risks requires access to climate expertise.