The Role of the UN Security Council in Addressing Climate Security: A Critical Analysis of Governance Gaps and Opportunities for the Global South

The recognition of climate change as a security threat has propelled it to the forefront of international governance, with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) emerging as a key actor in this evolving discourse. However, the UNSC’s approach to climate security has been marked by significant governance gaps, particularly concerning the representation and influence of Global South nations. This paper critically examines the UNSC's role in addressing climate security, focusing on how its existing governance structures may inadvertently marginalize the voices and interests of countries most vulnerable to climate-induced security risks.

The analysis begins by exploring how the UNSC conceptualizes and operationalizes the notion of climate security, highlighting the dominant narratives and geopolitical interests that shape its deliberations. It then scrutinizes the extent to which these narratives align with or diverge from the security concerns of the Global South, where the impacts of climate change are often most severe. Drawing on a comprehensive review of UNSC debates, resolutions, and the participation of Global South representatives, the paper identifies key governance shortcomings that limit the inclusivity and effectiveness of the Council's climate security efforts.

The research addresses several critical questions: How does the UNSC's framing of climate security influence global policy responses? To what extent does the current governance structure enable meaningful participation from Global South nations? And what reforms are necessary to enhance the Council’s legitimacy and responsiveness to the diverse security challenges posed by climate change? In answering these questions, the paper argues for a more equitable and representative approach to global climate security governance, one that recognizes the unique vulnerabilities and contributions of the Global South.