Climate Change, Security Dilemmas, and Power Transitions: India–Europe Perspectives on Global Stability

Author:Dimple Chaudhary

Abstract:
Climate change has become a critical driver of contemporary security challenges, reshaping geopolitical alignments and intensifying security dilemmas in an increasingly multipolar international order. This paper examines the climate–security nexus from India–Europe perspectives, highlighting how climate-induced risks—such as extreme weather events, resource scarcity, displacement, and threats to critical infrastructure—act as threat multipliers that exacerbate existing conflicts and complicate global stability. From the European perspective, climate security has gained strategic significance in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine war, which exposed vulnerabilities related to energy dependence and supply-chain disruptions. Consequently, Europe increasingly integrates climate action with energy transition, strategic autonomy, and foreign policy objectives. In contrast, India approaches climate security through the lens of development, resilience, and equity, prioritizing adaptation, energy access, and disaster preparedness while emphasizing differentiated responsibilities in global climate governance. The paper argues that these differing priorities generate security dilemmas in areas such as clean energy competition, access to critical minerals, climate finance, and technological standards. At the same time, expanding India–Europe engagement through green technology cooperation, resilient supply chains, and inclusive climate governance offers opportunities to mitigate climate-related security risks. The study concludes that strengthened India–Europe cooperation is essential for managing climate-driven insecurities and contributing to global stability in an era of accelerating environmental and geopolitical change.

Keywords:Climate Change; Climate Security; Security Dilemmas; Power Transitions; Multipolar World Order; India–Europe Relations; Energy Security; Global Stability.

DOI:10.46333/ijtc/15/1/13

International Journal of Trade & Commerce (Vol: 15 Issue:1)