Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08WELLINGTON126
2008-04-09 19:50:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Wellington
Cable title:  

DVC Request for "Climate Change and Security Planning for

Tags:  OIIP KPAO NZ 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0025
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHWL #0126 1001950
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 091950Z APR 08
FM AMEMBASSY WELLINGTON
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 5178
UNCLAS WELLINGTON 000126 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR IIP/T/ES (RADAMS); IIP/T/SV; EAP/PD - GMCLOUGHLIN; EAP/ANP


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP KPAO NZ

SUBJECT: DVC Request for "Climate Change and Security Planning for
the Future" Seminar


UNCLAS WELLINGTON 000126

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR IIP/T/ES (RADAMS); IIP/T/SV; EAP/PD - GMCLOUGHLIN; EAP/ANP


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP KPAO NZ

SUBJECT: DVC Request for "Climate Change and Security Planning for
the Future" Seminar



1. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Post requests a DVC with Marc Levy, CIESIBN,
Columbia University.


2. Preferred Activity Date, Fiscal Year, and Quarter: FY09 program,
November 13; 1st quarter; Washington time, November 13 at 5.00pm.
This is November 14, 9.00am NZ time.


3. PROGRAM JUSTIFICATION: Recently-published studies draw attention
to the fact that climate change poses a number of security
challenges in terms of both a narrow and an extended definition of
security. A comprehensive data analysis of the period 1950 to 2000
undertaken by the conveners of this seminar indicates that natural
disasters significantly increase the risk of violent civil conflict.
This applies both to geological (earthquakes and volcanic eruptions)
and climate-related disasters. Case-based evidence alternatively
suggests that climate-related disasters can sometimes provide the
incentives and means to address long-standing societal conflict
effectively.

These linkages have not received the academic and policy attention
that they deserve. In view of the expected increase in natural
hazards caused by the effects of climate change in coming years and
decades, it is both opportune and imperative to draw together
experts in the field to explore the dynamics of how climate change
impacts domestic and transnational security concerns such as violent
competition for scarce resources, and conflict caused by the
population displacement. The South Pacific is particularly
vulnerable, as climate change is bound to have significant
dislocating effects that may exacerbate deep and persistent social
tensions.

A discussion of these interactions is important in order to devise
ways of mitigating the negative social consequences of climate
change and explore the opportunities provided to enhance security.
Furthermore, adaptation to the effects of climate change is fast
becoming a prominent international focus in the post-Bali
international context. This changing focus makes it particularly
important to explore the linkages between climate change and
security in order that appropriate and well-informed policies can be
adopted in New Zealand and the region.

This DVC would be part of planned seminar being run by NZ's leading
climate change experts, which will explore these issues. It will be
led by a number of experts in the field and attended by participants
involved in public-policy formulation and implementation and in the
field of human security in general. It will be a useful tool to
make sure that the societal dangers and opportunities posed by
climate change are placed on the public agenda.

Post would welcome the opportunity to discuss the impact of climate
change with Dr. Levy.


4. Audience Expected: Members of the New Zealand government,
security analysts, climate change experts and policy-makers,
economists, and think-tankers.


5. MSP THEME AND EXPECTED AUDIENCE: MSP GOAL 09-01 - Mutual
Understanding.


6. NAME OF SPECIALIST REQUIRED:
Marc Levy, Deputy Director CIESIN, Columbia University, NY.


7. Contact Details: CIESIN (Center for International Earth Science
Information Network)
61 Route 9W
PO Box 1000
Palisades, NY 10964

Fax: 845-365-8922 Ph: 845-365-8988
email: mlevy@ciesin.columbia.edu


8. POST PROJECT OFFICER: Christine Vivian
Office phone: 644-462-6112; Fax: 644-499-0490
Email: cvivian@actrix.gen.nz / vivianc@state.gov

TECHNICAL OFFICER: Ola Thorsen
Office phone: 644-462-6015, Fax: 644-499-0490
Cell: 6427-451-2535
Email: thorsenO@state.gov

LOCATION AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Venue/phone numbers to be advised.
Please advise soonest. Many thanks.
MCCORMICK