Abstract
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Climate change is an emerging battlefield for international security. It has not just affected national security, rather endangered collective security of all states. It is a ‘threat multiplier’ which, after interacting with existing pressures, further complicates the problem. The nexus of climate-water-food security has unique importance in the most vulnerable South Asian region having approximately one fourth of the world population. The inappropriate handling of water and food security has become further sensitive due to continuous changes in the climate of the region. The long standing trans-boundary water conflicts and food deficiencies in the regions are further aggravated by rapid changes in industrialization, urbanization and economic growth. A qualitative approach to research is adopted in this study to assess the impact of climate change on water and food security in South Asia. Reports of different international, regional and national organizations have been used for analysis. The projections show that approximately 75% of the Himalayan glaciers are on retreat and will melt down by 2035. Thus, nexus of food insecurity and the non-availability of clean water will be explosive for under-developed and developing states in the region. The scarcity of resources demands adoption of integrated solutions for optimal utilization of available resources. The analysis of data shows that despite the understanding of complementary nature of water and food security, the governments in South Asia have tried to deal with these challenges in isolation and failed to address the problems. Therefore, besides strengthening the capacity of regional governments, regional cooperation is required to take initiatives to secure and improve water and food supplies and to mitigate the threats posed by climate change. |
Keywords
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Climate Change, Food Security, International Security, Nexus of Climate-Water-Food, South Asia, Threat Multiplier, Water Security |
Article
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Article # 38
Volume # 2
Issue # 3
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DOI info
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DOI Number: 10.47205/jdss.2021(2-III)38
DOI Link: http://doi.org/10.47205/jdss.2021(2-III)38
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