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A Lot of Talk, But Little Action—The Blind Spots of Nordic Environmental Security Policy

Author

Listed:
  • Emma Hakala

    (Global Security Programme, Finnish Institute of International Affairs, 00101 Helsinki, Finland
    BIOS Research Unit, 00170 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Ville Lähde

    (BIOS Research Unit, 00170 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Antti Majava

    (BIOS Research Unit, 00170 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Tero Toivanen

    (BIOS Research Unit, 00170 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Tere Vadén

    (BIOS Research Unit, 00170 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Paavo Järvensivu

    (BIOS Research Unit, 00170 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Jussi T. Eronen

    (BIOS Research Unit, 00170 Helsinki, Finland
    Ecosystems and Environment Research Programme & Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS), Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland)

Abstract

Despite an increasing recognition that environmental change may have implications for security, there only are few policies to address the issue. This article will look at environmental security policies in Finland and Sweden and propose ways to develop more effective measures. It relies on a three-level framework that aims to enable the identification of environmental security impacts by categorising them into local, geopolitical and structural ones. The article will examine present environmental security strategies and policies in Finland and Sweden, consider their efficacy for addressing various kinds of impacts and point out approaches that are currently missing. Based on the discussion, it argues that a comprehensive policy approach is needed to tackle environmental security impacts. This requires closer coordination and interchange between sectors as well as strategic intent. In addition, further research is needed on the structural impacts of mitigating and adapting to environmental change.

Suggested Citation

  • Emma Hakala & Ville Lähde & Antti Majava & Tero Toivanen & Tere Vadén & Paavo Järvensivu & Jussi T. Eronen, 2019. "A Lot of Talk, But Little Action—The Blind Spots of Nordic Environmental Security Policy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-14, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:8:p:2379-:d:224858
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. François Gemenne & Jon Barnett & W. Adger & Geoffrey Dabelko, 2014. "Climate and security: evidence, emerging risks, and a new agenda," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 123(1), pages 1-9, March.
    2. Emma Hakala & Ville Lähde & Antti Majava & Tero Toivanen & Tere Vadén & Paavo Järvensivu & Jussi T. Eronen, 2019. "Northern Warning Lights: Ambiguities of Environmental Security in Finland and Sweden," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-15, April.
    3. Jaroslav Tir & Douglas M Stinnett, 2012. "Weathering climate change: Can institutions mitigate international water conflict?," Journal of Peace Research, Peace Research Institute Oslo, vol. 49(1), pages 211-225, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Emma Hakala & Ville Lähde & Antti Majava & Tero Toivanen & Tere Vadén & Paavo Järvensivu & Jussi T. Eronen, 2019. "Northern Warning Lights: Ambiguities of Environmental Security in Finland and Sweden," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-15, April.
    2. Helmi Räisänen & Emma Hakala & Jussi T. Eronen & Janne I. Hukkinen & Mikko J. Virtanen, 2021. "Comprehensive Security: The Opportunities and Challenges of Incorporating Environmental Threats in Security Policy," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 9(4), pages 91-101.

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