Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Critical Deconstruction of Environmental Security and Human Security Concepts in the Anthropocene

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Climate Change, Human Security and Violent Conflict

Part of the book series: Hexagon Series on Human and Environmental Security and Peace ((HSHES,volume 8))

Abstract

The end of the Cold War induced an important evolution in the field of security studies, in theory and in practice. The further development of theories initiated in the 1980s led to an integrative and multidimensional concept of security, supposed to be capable of facing emerging new types of threats characterized by their transnational and uncontrollable nature and by their dangerous impact on states, societies, and persons. The most discussed environmental threats, which in their totality are conceived as Global Environmental Change (GEC),2 are: environmental degradation, deforestation, desertification, biodiversity loss, climate change, temperature increase, soil degradation, urbanization, agriculture, land-use change, overfishing, increasing weather extremes, and natural disasters. The most striking and frightening characteristics shared by all of these are their interconnectedness, their increasing extent, the speed at which they are developing, and the understanding that they are to a high degree influenced and caused by human activity. The last characteristic is conceptualized within the assumption that humanity has pushed Earth’s history forward to a new ‘humanmade’ geological era: the Anthropocene.3 The premise that humans are in charge of their own fate now and have to learn how to manage their habitat leads to the necessity of addressing the root causes of GEC and revisiting the linkages between environment, security, and societal change.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Aguirre M. Crisis y gestión del sistema global: Paradojas y alternativas en la Globalización. Cuadernos de Trabajo de Hegoa, UPV-EHU. 2006;40:3–18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Annan K. In larger freedom: towards development, security and human rights for all. Report of the Secretary-General, A/59/2005, United Nations General Assembly. New York: United Nations; 2005.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bächler G. Why Environmental Transformation causes Violence: A Synthesis. Environmental Change and Security Project Report. 1998;4:24–39.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barnett, Jon, 2000: “Destabilizing the Environment-Conflict Thesis”, in: Review of International Studies, 26,2: 271–288.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barnett J. The Meaning of Environmental Security: Ecological Politics and Policy in the New Security Era. London: Zed Books; 2001.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barnett, Jon; Adger, Neil W, 2007: “Climate Change, Human Security and Violent Conflict”, in: Political Geography, 26,2: 639–655.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bogardi, Janos J.; Birkmann, Jörn; Gebert, Niklas; Setiadi, Neysa J., 2009: “Preparing for Low-Frequency, Extreme Natural Hazards: contributing to Human Security by Enhancing ‘Freedom from Hazard Impacts’”, in: Brauch, Hans Günter; Oswald Spring, Úrsula; Grin, John; Mesjasz, Czeslaw; Kameri-Mbote, Patricia; Chadha Behera, Navnita; Chourou, Béchir; Krummenacher, Heinz (Eds.): Facing Global Environmental Change. Environmental, Human, Energy, Food, Health and Water Security Concepts (Berlin – Heidelberg: Springer): 283–294.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bogardi, Janos; Brauch, Hans Günter, 2005: “Global Environmental Change: A Challenge for Human Security – Defining and conceptualising the environmental dimension of human security”, in: Rechkemmer, Andreas (Ed.): UNEO – Towards an International Environment Organization – Approaches to a sustainable reform of global environmental governance (Baden-Baden: Nomos): 85–109.

    Google Scholar 

  • Booth, Ken, 1991: “Security and Emancipation”, in: Review of International Studies, 17, 4: 313–326.

    Google Scholar 

  • Booth K, editor. Critical Security Studies and World Politics (Boulder. Lynne Rienner): CO; 2005.

    Google Scholar 

  • Booth, Ken; Vale, Peter, 1997: “Critical Security Studies and Regional Insecurity: The Case of Southern Africa”, in: Krause, Keith; Williams, Michael C. (Eds.): Critical Security Studies, Concepts and Cases (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press): 329–358.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brainard, Lael; Chollet, Derek; LaFleur, Vinca, 2007: “The Tangled Security Web: The Poverty-Insecurity Nexus“, in: Brainard, Lael; Chollet, Derek (Eds.): Too Poor for Peace? Global Poverty, Conflict and Security in the 21st Century (Washington: The Brookings Institution): 1–30.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brauch, Hans Günter, 2005: Environment and Human Security. Freedom from Hazard Impact, InterSecTions, 2/2005 (Bonn: UNU-EHS); at: <http://www.ehs.unu.edu/file.php? id=64>.

  • Brauch, Hans Günter, 2009a: “Introduction: Facing Global Environmental Change and Sectorialization of Security”, in: Brauch, Hans Günter; Oswald Spring, Úrsula; Grin, John; Mesjasz, Czeslaw; Kameri-Mbote, Patricia; Chadha Behera, Navnita; Chourou, Béchir; Krummenacher, Heinz (Eds.): Facing Global Environmental Change. Environmental, Human, Energy, Food, Health and Water Security Concepts (Berlin – Heidelberg: Springer): 21–42.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brauch, Hans Günter, 2009b: “Securitizing Global Environmental Change”, in: Brauch, Hans Günter; Oswald Spring, Úrsula; Grin, John; Mesjasz, Czeslaw; KameriMbote, Patricia; Chadha Behera, Navnita; Chourou, Béchir; Krummenacher, Heinz (Eds.): Facing Global Environmental Change. Environmental, Human, Energy, Food, Health and Water Security Concepts (Berlin – Heidelberg: Springer): 65–102.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brauch, Hans Günter; 2009c: “Human Security Concepts in Policy and Science”, in: Brauch, Hans Günter; Oswald Spring, Úrsula; Grin, John; Mesjasz, Czeslaw; KameriMbote, Patricia; Chadha Behera, Navnita; Chourou, Béchir; Krummenacher, Heinz (Eds.): Facing Global Environmental Change. Environmental, Human, Energy, Food, Health and Water Security Concepts (Berlin – Heidelberg: Springer): 965–989.

    Google Scholar 

  • Buzan, Barry; Wæver, Ole; de Wilde, Jaap, 1998: Security – A new framework for analysis (Boulder, CO – London: Rienner).

    Google Scholar 

  • C.A.S.E., 2006: “Critical Security Approach in Europe: a Manifesto”, in: Security Dialogue, 37,4: 443–487.

    Google Scholar 

  • CHS (Commission on Human Security), 2003: Protecting and Empowering People, (New York: CHS); at: <http://www.humansecurity-chs.org/finalreport/index.html> (January 2011).

  • Conca, Ken, 2001: “Environmental Cooperation and International Peace”, in: Diehl, Paul F.; Gleditsch, Nils-Petter (Eds.): Environmental Conflict (Oxford: Westview Press): 225–250.

    Google Scholar 

  • Conca, Ken; Carius, Alexander; Dabelko, Geoffrey D., 2005: “Building Peace through Environmental Cooperation”, in: Starke, Linda (Ed.): State of the World 2005 A Worldwatch Institute Report on Progress Toward a Sustainable Society (New York – London: Worldwatch Institute): 144–157.

    Google Scholar 

  • Conca, Ken; Dabelko, Geoffrey D., 2002: Environmental Peacemaking (Washington, D.C. – Baltimore: Woodrow Wilson Center Press – Johns Hopkins University Press).

    Google Scholar 

  • Cox R. “Social Forces, States, and World Orders: Beyond International Relations Theory”, in: Millenium. Journal of International Studies. 1981;10(2):126–155.

    Google Scholar 

  • Crutzen, Paul J., 2006: “The Anthropocene”, in: Ehlers, Eckart; Krafft, Thomas (Eds.): Earth System Science in the Anthropocene (Berlin – Heidelberg – New York: Springer): 13–18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dalby, Simon, 2002: Environmental Security (Minneapolis – London: University of Minnesota Press).

    Google Scholar 

  • Dalby S. Security and Environmental Change. Cambridge: Polity; 2009.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dalby, Simon; Brauch, Hans Günter; Oswald Spring, Úrsula, 2009: “Environmental Security Concept Revisited During the First Three Phases (1983–2006)”; in: Brauch, Hans Günter; Oswald Spring, Úrsula; Grin, John; Mesjasz, Czeslaw; Kameri-Mbote, Patricia; Chadha Behera, Navnita; Chourou, Béchir; Krummenacher, Heinz (Eds.): Facing Global Environmental Change. Environmental, Human, Energy, Food, Health and Water Security Concepts (Berlin – Heidelberg: Springer): 781–790.

    Google Scholar 

  • Desai U, editor. Ecological Policy and Politics in Developing Countries – Economic Growth, Democracy and Environment. Albany: State University Press of New York; 1998.

    Google Scholar 

  • Detraz, Nicole, 2009: “Environmental Security and Gender: Necessary Shifts in an Evolving Debate”, in: Security Studies, 18,2: 345–369.

    Google Scholar 

  • Detraz, Nicole; Betsill, Michele, 2009: “Climate Change and Environmental Security: For Whom the Discourse Shifts”, in: International Studies Perspectives, 10,3: 303–320.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dyer, Hugh, 1996: “Environmental Security as a Universal Value – Implications for International Theory”, in: Vogler, John; Imber, Mark (Eds.): The Environment and International Relations (New York: Routledge): 22–39.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dyer, Hugh, 2001: “Environmental Security and International Relations: the Case for Enclosure”, in: Review of International Studies, 27,3: 441–450.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eckersley, Robyn, 2007: “Ecological Intervention: Prospects and Limits”, in: Ethics and International Affairs, 21,3: 293–316.

    Google Scholar 

  • Floyd, Rita, 2007: “Towards a consequentalist evaluation of security: bringing together the Copenhagen and the Welsh Schools of security studies”, in: Review of International Studies, 33,2: 327–350.

    Google Scholar 

  • Floyd, Rita, 2008: “The Environmental Security debate and its Significance for Climate Change”, in: The International Spectator, 43,3: 51–65.

    Google Scholar 

  • GECHS (Global Environmental Change and Human Security), 1999: GECHS Science plan (Bonn: IHDP); at: <http://www.ihdp.uni-bonn.de/html/publications/reports/report11/gehssp.htm> (January 2011).

  • Glenn, Jerome C.; Gordon, Theodor J.; Perelet, Renat, 1997–1998: “Environmental Security Study – Emerging International Definitions, Perceptions, and Policy Considerations. Executive Summary”, in: The Millennium Project; at: <http://www.millennium-project.org/millennium/es-exsum.html> (12 January 2011).

  • Grasa Hernández, Rafael, 2006: “Vínculos entre Seguridad, Paz y Desarrollo: Evolución de la Seguridad humana. De la Teoría al Programa Político y la Operacionalización”, in: Revista CIDOB d‘Afers Internacionals. Seguridad humana: Conceptos, Experencias y Propuestas, 76,2: 9–46.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grayson, Kyle (2008) “Human security as a power/knowledge: the The biopolitics of a definitional debate”, in: Cambridge Review of International Affairs, 21,3: 383–401.

    Google Scholar 

  • Greene, Owen, 32005: “Environmental Issues”; in: Baylis, John; Smith, Steve (Eds.): The globalization of world politics – An introduction to International Relations (New York: Oxford University Press): 451–478.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hearne, Steven R. 2008: “Approaching Environmental Security, from Stability to Sustainablity”, in: Liotta, P.H. ; Mouat, David A.; Kepner, William G. ; Lancaster, Judith M. (Eds.): Environmental Change and Human Security Recognizing and Acting on Hazard Impacts (New York: Springer): 217–251.

    Google Scholar 

  • Homer-Dixon T. Environmental Scarcity and Global Security. New York: Foreign Policy Association; 1993.

    Google Scholar 

  • Homer-Dixon, Thomas, 1994: “Environmental Scarcities and Violent Conflict: Evidence from Cases”, in: International Security, 19,1 : 5–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • CISS (International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty), 2001: “The Responsibility to Protect”, Report of the International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty, (Ottawa: International Development Research Center); at: <http://www.iciss.gc.ca/pdf/Commission-Report.pdf> (January 2011).

  • IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability, Working Group II Contribution to the Fourth Assessment Report of the IPCC. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 2007.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krause K, Williams MC, editors. Critical Security Studies, Concepts and Cases. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press; 1997.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leichenko R, O’Brien K. Double Exposure: Global Environmental Change in an Era of Globalization. New York: Oxford University Press; 2005.

    Google Scholar 

  • Matthew, Richard A.; Barnett, Jon; O’Brien, Karen L. (Eds.), 2010: Global Environmental Change and Human Security (Cambridge, MA – London: The MIT Press).

    Google Scholar 

  • Neocleous M. Critique of Security. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press; 2008.

    Google Scholar 

  • Newman, Edward, 2010: “Critical human security studies”, in: Review of International Studies, 36,1: 77–94.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oswald Spring, Úrsula, 2009a: “A HUGE Gender Security Approach: Towards Human, Gender, and Environmental

    Google Scholar 

  • Security”, in: Brauch, Hans Günter; Oswald Spring, Úrsula; Grin, John; Mesjasz, Czeslaw; Kameri-Mbote, Patricia; Chadha Behera, Navnita; Chourou, Béchir; Krummenacher, Heinz (Eds.): Facing Global Environmental Change. Environmental, Human, Energy, Food, Health and Water Security Concepts (Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer): 1157–1181.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oswald Spring, Úrsula; Brauch, Hans Günter; Dalby, Simon, 2009b: “Linking Anthropocene, HUGE and HESP: Fourth Phase of Environmental Security Research”, in: Brauch, Hans Günter; Oswald Spring, Úrsula; Grin, John; Mesjasz, Czeslaw; Kameri-Mbote, Patricia; Chadha Behera, Navnita; Chourou, Béchir; Krummenacher, Heinz (Eds.): Facing Global Environmental Change. Environmental, Human, Energy, Food, Health and Water Security Concepts (Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer): 1277–1294.

    Google Scholar 

  • Paris, Roland, 2004: “Human Security, Paradigm Shift or Hot Air”, in: Brown, Michael E.; Cote, Owen R., Jr.; Lynn-Jones, Sean M.; Miller, Steven E. (Eds.), 2004: New Global Dangers, Changing Dimensions of International Security (Cambridge, MA – London: MIT Press).

    Google Scholar 

  • de Armiño P, Karlos,. “El Concepto y el Uso de la Seguridad humana: Análisis crítico de sus Potencialidades y Riesgos”, in: Revista CIDOB d'Afers d’Afers Internacionals. Seguridad humana: Conceptos, Experencias y Propuestas. 2006;76:59–77.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pirages, Dennis C.; Degeest, Theresa M., 2003: Ecological Security – An Evolutionary Perspective on Globalisation (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers).

    Google Scholar 

  • Ryerson, Christie (2008) “The Human Security Dilemma. Lost Opportunities, Appropriate Concept or Actual Change?” in: Liotta, P.H.; Mouat, David A.; Kepner, William G.; Lancaster, Judith M. (Eds.): Environmental Change and Human Security Recognizing and Acting on Hazard Impacts (New York: Springer): 253–269.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ryerson, Christie, 2010: “Critical Voices and Human Security: To Endure, To Engage or To Critique?”, in: Security Dialogue, 41, 2: 169–190.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sachs W, Santarius T, editors. Fair Future, Resource Conflicts, Security & Global Justice (London – New York: Zed Books; Halifax. Winnipeg: Fernwood Publishing); 2007.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sánchez Cano, Javier, 1998: “De la Seguridad compartida a la Seguridad ecológica”, in: Ecología Política – Cuadernos de Debate Internacional, 15,1: 11–30.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schellenhuber, Hans Joachim; Crutzen, Paul J.; Clark, William C.; Hunt, Julian, 2005: “Earth System Analysis for Sustainability”, in: Environment 47,8: 11–24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Simonis UE. “Environmental Change and Environmental Politics, 13 Review Articles”, in: Discussion Papers. Berlin: WZB Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin für Sozialforschung; 2007.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smil, Vaclav, 1997: “Chinas Environment and Security: Simple Myths and Complex Realities”, in: SAIS Review 17,1: 107–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, Paul, 2007: “Climate Change, Mass Migration and the Military Response”, in: Orbis, 51,4: 617–633.

    Google Scholar 

  • Steffen, Will; Crutzen, Paul; McNeill, John, R., 2007: “The Anthropocene: Are Humans Now Overwhelming the Great Forces of Nature?”, in: Ambio, 36,8: 614–621.

    Google Scholar 

  • Terriff T, Croft S, James L, Morgan P. Security studies today. Cambridge: Polity Press; 2005.

    Google Scholar 

  • UNDP, 1994: Human Development Report 1994. New Dimensions of Human Security (New York – Oxford – New Delhi: Oxford University Press).

    Google Scholar 

  • UNGA, 2009: “Climate change and its possible security implications”. Resolution adopted by the General Assembly, A/RES/63/281 (New York: United Nations General Assembly, 11 June).

    Google Scholar 

  • UNSG (United Nations Secretary-General), 2009: Climate change and its possible security implications. A/64/350 (New York, N.Y.; UN, 11 September 2009).

    Google Scholar 

  • Vogler J, Imber M. The Environment and International Relations. New York: Routledge; 1996.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wæver, Ole, 1995: “Securitization and Desecuritization”, in: Lipschutz, Ronnie D. (Ed.): On Security (New York: Columbia University Press): 46–86.

    Google Scholar 

  • Walker, R. B. J., 1997: “The Subject of Security”, in: Krause, Keith; Williams, Michael C. (Eds.): Critical Security Studies, Concepts and Cases (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press): 61–81.

    Google Scholar 

  • WBGU. Solving the climate dilemma: The budget approach. Special Report. Berlin: German Advisory Council on Global Climate Change Special Report; 2009.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wibben, Annick T.R., 2008: “Human Security: Towards and Opening”, in: Security Dialogue, 39,4: 455–462.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wyn Jones, Richard, (Ed.), 2001: Critical Theory & World Politics (Boulder – London: Lynne Rienner Publishers).

    Google Scholar 

  • Wyn Jones, Richard, 1999: Security, Strategy, and critical theory (Boulder – London: Lynne Rienner Publishers).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Avda. Madrid 28 6 B, 20011, San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain

    Judith Nora Hardt

Authors
  1. Judith Nora Hardt
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Judith Nora Hardt .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. ZMAW, Institute for Geography, University of Hamburg, Bundesstr. 53, Hamburg, 20146, Germany

    Jürgen Scheffran

  2. , Institute of Peace Research and Security, Hamburg University, Beim Schlump 83, Hamburg, 20144, Germany

    Michael Brzoska

  3. AG Friedensforschung + Europ., Sicherheitspolitik, AFES-PRESS, Alte Bergsteige 47, Mosbach, 74821, Germany

    Hans Günter Brauch

  4. ZMAW, Res. Group Climate Change and Security, Hamburg University, Bundesstrasse 53, Hamburg, 20146, Germany

    Peter Michael Link

  5. ZMAW, Res. Group Climate Change and Security, Hamburg University, Bundesstrasse 53, Hamburg, 20146, Germany

    Janpeter Schilling

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Hardt, J.N. (2012). Critical Deconstruction of Environmental Security and Human Security Concepts in the Anthropocene. In: Scheffran, J., Brzoska, M., Brauch, H., Link, P., Schilling, J. (eds) Climate Change, Human Security and Violent Conflict. Hexagon Series on Human and Environmental Security and Peace, vol 8. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-28626-1_10

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation