This book examines the operation of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to better understand the motivating factors that underpin its activation of Article 39. Arguing that climate change should be considered a threat to international peace and security, the theory of securitisation is employed to dissect the UNSC and identify the power dynamics that dictate when and why Article 39 is activated. Exploring how contemporary threats to peace and security can unite the agenda of the UNSC and shedding light on the narratives used to reach consensus, the author considers how this knowledge might be purposed to support the transition of climate change into the realm of Article 39. How necessary and useful a UNSC resolution would be is given thought, and a possible pathway to achieving it is outlined.
Aimed at academics and institutions that commentate on the UNSC, climate change, securitisation theory and undergraduate and postgraduate students of law, international relations, UN law, and those undertaking environmental studies, this book will also be of interest to practitioners and diplomats in and outside of the UN and anyone seeking to further the climate security nexus.
This book examines the operation of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to better understand the motivating factors that underpin its activation of Article 39. Arguing that climate change should be considered a threat to international peace and security.
i. Title page
ii. Dedication
iiii. Contents
Part one: setting board
Chapter
1. Time now for climate security
Introducing security
A matter of securitisation theory
Ambition, geopolitics and structure
Reference list
Chapter
2. International climate law
Introduction
A fragile project
Nationally determined contribution plans
Summary remarks
Reference list
Chapter
3. Climate change and international security
Introduction
The evolution of Article 39
Climate change as an international security threat?
Reference list
Part two: securitisation, narratives and thresholds
Chapter
4. Securitisation theory as a method
Outlining securitisation theory
Calibrating securitisation theory to the UNSC
Reference list
Chapter
5. Narratives, thresholds and triggers
Introduction
Magnitude
Transnational scale
Collective interest
Insufficient response
Urgency
Summary remarks
Reference list
Part three: strategies and ways forward
Chapter
6. Framing climate change as an Article 39 threat
Introduction
The PCIS before the UNSC: 2007-2025
Framing climate change as a threat
Summary remarks
Reference list
Chapter
7. Crafting a response to climate change
Introduction
Arguments against intervention
Perspectives of the permanent members
Crafting a climate resolution
Reference list
Chapter
8. Concluding remarks
Primary research findings
Going forward
Concluding with insecurity
Reference list
Ash Murphy is Senior Lecturer in International Law at Manchester Law School, seeking to confront contemporary global challenges that demand inclusive international cooperation intended towards a more equitable and secure future.