Berlin Climate and Security Conference (BCSC) 2026
The Berlin Climate and Security Conference (BCSC) is a prominent international forum held in Berlin, DEU, dedicated to exploring the complex interconnections between climate change and global security. This annual event brings together policymakers, experts, and practitioners from various fields to discuss strategies for addressing climate-related security risks and fostering peace and stability in a changing world. The conference emphasizes the importance of collaborative approaches and innovative solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change on human security, resource availability, and geopolitical dynamics.
Why it matters
The BCSC addresses one of the most pressing challenges of our time: how climate change exacerbates existing vulnerabilities and creates new threats to peace and security. As global temperatures rise, communities face increased risks of extreme weather events, resource scarcity, forced displacement, and social unrest. Understanding these linkages is crucial for developing effective foreign policy, defense, and humanitarian responses.
The conference serves as a vital platform for advancing the discourse on climate security, moving beyond traditional environmental concerns to integrate climate considerations into security policy frameworks. It highlights the need for proactive measures, including early warning systems, conflict prevention strategies, and robust climate adaptation initiatives, to build resilience in vulnerable regions. By fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange, the BCSC contributes to a more comprehensive and integrated approach to global security challenges.
Furthermore, the BCSC plays a significant role in shaping international cooperation on climate security. It encourages states and international organizations to develop shared understandings and coordinated actions to address transboundary climate risks. This collaborative spirit is essential for building a future where climate change is managed as a collective security challenge, rather than a catalyst for conflict and instability.
How to prepare
To effectively engage with the themes of the Berlin Climate and Security Conference, delegates should undertake a thorough preparation that includes understanding the multifaceted nature of climate security. This involves researching the specific ways in which climate change impacts different regions and sectors, from food and water security to migration patterns and political stability. Familiarity with key concepts such as climate adaptation, climate finance, and environmental diplomacy will be beneficial.
Delegates should also consider the various stakeholders involved in climate security discussions, including governmental bodies, international organizations, civil society groups, and affected communities. Applying principles from lessons like "What Is Stakeholder Mapping?" and "Hidden Stakeholders" can help in identifying key actors and their respective interests. This understanding will facilitate more nuanced engagement and the development of impactful policy recommendations.
Furthermore, preparing for the BCSC involves considering potential solutions and best practices for addressing climate-related security risks. This could include examining successful case studies of conflict prevention through environmental cooperation or innovative approaches to disaster risk reduction. Utilizing frameworks from "Engagement Strategies" and "Dynamic Analysis" can help delegates to critically assess existing policies and propose forward-looking interventions that promote peace and resilience in the face of climate change.
Country perspectives
Where the most-relevant 1 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.
Resources
News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for Berlin Climate and Security Conference (BCSC) 2026.
Recent reporting to ground your prep
Lessons
Bite-sized lessons to build the basics
Courses
Guided courses that go deeper on the topic
The states in play, with the data that shapes their stance