IRSD-KHID-RHID

While modern armies have long regarded climate and environmental issues as a potential source of constraints, they increasingly perceive these matters as a strategic and operational issue. However, the strategic analysis of climate security by most European armies remains largely theoretical and has not yet led to in-depth changes in defence policies. In the long term, it will nevertheless be essential, if not inevitable, for armed forces to adapt their human and material capabilities, not only to cope with climate change and the increasing scarcity of available energy resources, but also to take account of the increasingly stringent legal and regulatory implications of environmental issues.
What are the climate and environmental challenges facing the armed forces? How can defence institutions enhance their resilience to address climate change? Are the armed forces doing enough to mitigate their environmental footprint? Do adaptation and mitigation measures offer opportunities to enhance the operational effectiveness of the armed forces? How do France and the United Kingdom integrate climate and environmental issues into their defence strategy?
In order to answer these questions, we have the pleasure to welcome Lieutenant General (Retd) Richard Nugee, non-executive director for climate change and net zero at the British Ministry of Defence, and Dr Nicolas Regaud, senior advisor for climate of the vice-chief of staff (French Ministry of the Armed Forces).

Evening conference

Understanding, anticipating and adapting
to climate change:
what are the challenges for the armed forces?

Conference videos
Lieutenant General (Retd) Richard NUGEE
Dr Nicolas REGAUD

Moderator: Estelle HOORICKX

Language: English and French
Simultaneous interpretation in English, Dutch and French

20 December 2023, 17:00 – 18:30
> 16:30 – Registration
> 17:00 – Conference
> 18:30 – Reception

Campus Renaissance
Rue Hobbema, 8
1000 Brussels