CLIMATE CHANGE, ARCTIC AND SECURITY IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Abstract

Climate studies have been evolving since the 19th century allowing to present possible future changes that are being felt around the world and specifically in the Arctic region, which is profoundly impacted by climate change. The Arctic has become a critical area of concern in the context of global security in the 21st century. Extensive climate studies highlight the rapid loss of sea ice, which has significantly altered both the physical environment and geopolitical dynamics. This dramatic ice loss is accelerating the opening of new maritime routes, making changes in the ecosystem on earth and below water, current waters included. Climate change, acting as a threat multiplier, exacerbates existing security risks. The Copenhagen School's concept of securitization is particularly relevant in this context, as the Arctic’s environmental changes are increasingly framed as security issues, with potential for militarization and conflict over sovereignty and resources. The intersection of climate change and security in the Arctic emphasizes the urgency of managing the region’s growing geopolitical significance while mitigating the risks posed by its changing climate. Thus, challenges have a global impact. An inter- and multi-interdisciplinary qualitative analysis shows the interconnectedness of the elements and topics.