欧盟与气候安全 ： 走向生态外交

The EU and Climate Security: Toward Ecological Diplomacy is a comprehensive publication edited by Olivia Lazard and Richard Youngs. This collaborative effort between Carnegie Europe and the Open Society European Policy Institute explores the evolving role of the European Union (EU) in addressing climate security through the lens of ecological diplomacy. The publication underscores the EU's pivotal position in the global transition towards a low-carbon economy, emphasizing the need for a more integrated and proactive approach to climate security.

Introduction

Olivia Lazard and Richard Youngs introduce the concept that the EU must deepen its engagement with climate action in its external policies to become a stronger geopolitical force. They argue that while the EU's internal energy transition is critical, it must also become a cornerstone of its foreign policy to address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change.

Key Themes

1. Transition from Indirect to Ambitious Approaches: The authors highlight the EU's existing efforts in integrating climate considerations into its foreign and security policies, yet advocate for a broader and more profound understanding of ecological security. This involves moving beyond containment strategies to actively support systemic changes aimed at restoring global ecological balance.

2. Wider Challenges Beyond Carbon Emissions: The focus on reducing carbon emissions is acknowledged, but the need to address broader ecological disruptions and their geopolitical implications is emphasized. This includes the impacts of climate change on politics, interstate relations, and the broader global ecosystem.

3. Need for Ecological Diplomacy: The concept of ecological diplomacy is introduced as a framework for the EU to navigate its engagements with global partners. This involves considering not just environmental outcomes but also the social, economic, and political dimensions of climate action.

Contributions

The publication is structured around six chapters, each authored by experts in their respective fields, contributing to a holistic view of the EU's climate security challenges:

• Chapter 1 by Richard Youngs analyzes the current state of the EU's indirect and defensive approach to climate security, identifying gaps and suggesting areas for improvement.

• Chapter 2, by Olivia Lazard, explores the necessity of an EU-wide ecological diplomacy, discussing the opportunities and strategies for integrating environmental concerns into diplomatic relations.

• Chapter 3 by David Michel delves into the interplay between climate security, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding, highlighting the importance of addressing climate-induced vulnerabilities in conflict-prone regions.

• Chapter 4 by Andreas Goldthau discusses the widening of the EU's geoeconomic and regulatory approach to climate policy, emphasizing the economic incentives and regulations necessary for a sustainable transition.

• Chapter 5 by Sophia Kalantzakos focuses on the EU's international partnerships, specifically looking at its interactions with China and Africa, and suggests strategies for enhancing cooperation in the context of climate action.

• Chapter 6 by John Elkington and Thammy Evans examines the role of economic regeneration in promoting system resilience, advocating for innovative economic models that align with ecological sustainability.

Conclusion

Heather Grabbe's concluding remarks emphasize the urgency of transitioning from the current approach to a more ambitious one, underscoring the EU's potential to lead in climate security through ecological diplomacy. The publication underscores the importance of redefining the EU's role in the global community, moving from a reactive stance to a proactive one that fosters long-term ecological stability and global cooperation.