BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

ENVIRONMENT-SECURITY NEXUS: BANGLADESH PERSPECTIVES

Author: Segufta Hossain

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/10.56888/BIISSj2013v34n2a2

ABSTRACT

Global security scenario has changed with the beginning of the 21st century and dimensions of the definition of security have also changed with the end of the Cold War. Non-traditional security threats have in some aspects replaced the traditional security concerns. Sources of security threats have also increased and become diversified in the era of globalisation. Environmental stresses and degradation have become a security threat and the main concern of environment-security nexus is the scarcity of resources which initiates competition, displacement and gradually conflict. Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to global warming, climate change, environmental stresses and environmental degradation due to climate change. Climate change instigates increased frequencies and intensities of natural disasters. The geographical location and some other issues like over population, unplanned development activities, lack of proper rules and regulations have also made the country more vulnerable to environment related threats. There is a possibility of scarcity of resources and the competition over the scarce resources would displace a large number of people which may destabilise the country and gradually affect the stability and security of the region. Bangladesh government has adopted some policies and formulated strategies to protect the environment, properly use the natural resources and control the degradation of environment and pollution. The country is also trying to combat the impacts of climate change and climate change induced environmental problems with its own resources. International support is necessary to counter the impacts of climate change, climate change induced natural disasters and environmental degradations as they create not only development challenges but also security threats for the country. The present paper would focus on the interrelation between environment and security and try to highlight the nexus between environment and security of Bangladesh.