Canada’s funding to establish the NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence – Treasury Board submission, January 2024

Public Statement on the Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Treasury Board Submission “Funding to establish the NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence”

In accordance with the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals, a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) was completed for the Treasury Board Submission titled “Funding to establish the NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence” (approved January 29, 2024).

As part of the SEA, Global Affairs Canada commissioned a report from the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) on the implications and opportunities for Canada – as Framework Nation of the NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence (CCASCOE) – to engage in the climate change, biodiversity loss and security policy nexus.

The report was developed through research, semi-structured interviews, and group discussions with Government of Canada officials and external experts, focusing on Canada’s approach to diplomacy, international assistance and trade, and defence in an evolving geopolitical context.  It analyzed the challenge of addressing the local, national and international peace and security impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss considering their wide-ranging effects on the physical environment, economies and human security.

One of the report’s central recommendations was for Canada to pursue a “whole-of-government” response to the security implications of climate change and biodiversity loss. Additionally, it identified leadership opportunities for Canada in this policy nexus as it relates to Arctic security, biodiversity protection, mining and critical minerals, and food security.

The CCASCOE opened its doors in Montreal in October 2023 and Canada’s role as its host and Framework Nation is jointly led by Global Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence. The Centre provides a unique platform for both military actors and civilians to develop, enhance, and share knowledge on climate change and security effects, and to develop the means and best practices to respond to these challenges.

In addition to being the CCASCOE’s Framework Nation, Canada is one of its twelve founding Sponsoring Nations, along with: Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Norway, Romania, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom. Each of the Sponsoring Nations has a vote on the CCASCOE’s governing Steering Committee.

Learn more about Canada’s role in the CCASCOE.