This book examines the operation of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to better understand the motivating factors that underpin its activation of Article 39. Arguing that climate change should be considered a threat to international peace and security, the theory of securitisation is employed to dissect the UNSC and identify the power dynamics that dictate when and why Article 39 is activated. Exploring how contemporary threats to peace and security can unite the agenda of the UNSC and shedding light on the narratives used to reach consensus, the author considers how this knowledge might be purposed to support the transition of climate change into the realm of Article 39. How necessary and useful a UNSC resolution would be is given thought, and a possible pathway to achieving it is outlined.

Aimed at academics and institutions that commentate on the UNSC, climate change, securitisation theory and undergraduate and postgraduate students of law, international relations, UN law, and those undertaking environmental studies, this book will also be of interest to practitioners and diplomats in and outside of the UN and anyone seeking to further the climate security nexus.

Ash Murphy is Senior Lecturer in International Law at Manchester Law School, seeking to confront contemporary global challenges that demand inclusive international cooperation intended towards a more equitable and secure future.