Climate Security: Has the Penny Finally Dropped?
Description
What the UK’s new approach to climate security means for Australia?
One of Australia’s closest security partners, the United Kingdom is increasingly treating climate change and nature loss as threats to security, economic stability and societal resilience.
In January 2026, the UK Government released part of a national security assessment warning that ecosystem degradation threatens food and water security, supply chains and economic stability, and could contribute to political instability and conflict. It concluded that every critical ecosystem examined is on a pathway towards collapse if current trends continue.
The UK has since established its first dedicated Climate Security Taskforce, bringing together security, military and academic expertise to assess threats, identify gaps in preparedness and recommend action.
Has the penny finally dropped in the UK on the scale of the climate-security threat — and what needs to happen next?
Professor Rear Admiral Neil Morisetti (Retd) will examine the UK’s emerging approach and the gap between recognising a threat and preparing for it.
Moderated by Emily Rice, the discussion will consider what other countries, including Australia can learn from the UK's experience.
Register now to join the live briefing and Q&A.
Lineup
Professor Rear Admiral Neil Morisetti CB RN (Retd)
Professor Rear Admiral Neil Morisetti CB RN (Retd) is Professor of Climate and Resource Security at University College London. He previously served as the UK Foreign Secretary's Special Representative for Climate Change and has been a prominent voice on the relationship between climate change, resource pressures and national and human security. Before moving into climate and security policy, Morisetti had a long career in the Royal Navy, reaching the rank of Rear Admiral. His combination of senior military experience, government climate diplomacy and academic work gives him a distinctive perspective on how governments assess systemic threats and translate risk assessments into national preparedness. He is also an International Fellow of the Australian Security Leaders Climate Group and has engaged directly with the Australian climate-security debate, including contributing the foreword to ASLCG's Missing in Action: Responding to Australia's Climate & Security Failure.
Emily Rice — Moderator
Emily Rice is an accomplished broadcast journalist and communications expert with more than 25 years experience nationally and internationally. Emily was a 9news Melbourne’s reporter for over 10 years and also regularly covered politics, business and breaking news. Emily has also worked as Network Ten’s US Correspondent and Environment Reporter.
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