Based in Montreal, Canada, the Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence was officially accredited by NATO in May 2024 and inaugurated in October by its twelve sponsoring nations. As the newest addition to NATO’s network of Centres of Excellence, it has quickly become a vital contributor in addressing the security implications of climate change.
Convening Expertise: High-Level Events and International Dialogues
Last autumn, the Centre co-hosted the Montreal Climate Security Summit with the Conference of Defence Associations Institute. The event brought together more than 300 military and civilian experts to shape policy and strengthen cooperation on integrating climate considerations into security planning.
In February 2025, at the Munich Security Conference, the Centre convened military leaders and scientific experts to discuss how armed forces can adapt and remain resilient in a changing climate.
Building Capacity: Training the Force for Climate-Affected Operations
In May 2025, the Centre launched its inaugural week-long training course on climate security at the Royal Military College of Canada in Saint-Jean. The course welcomed participants from 22 nations across four continents and used hands-on tools and wargaming exercises to deepen understanding of how climate change affects strategic planning and military operations.
Advancing NATO’s Climate Intelligence: Research, Reports and Foresight
The Centre is also leading a collaborative effort among several other Centres of Excellence to assess climate and energy-related risks to NATO forces operating in the Arctic. As part of this work, it has hosted technical workshops with partners, including one in La Spezia, Italy, focused on how to translate climate data into practical guidance for NATO leadership.
Beyond events and training, the Centre plays a central role in shaping NATO’s research and analysis on climate issues. It contributes to high-level reports such as the annual climate impact assessment prepared for the NATO Secretary General and the periodic Strategic Foresight Analysis work done at Allied Command Transformation. It has also supported a wide range of NATO and national-level workshops on environmental protection, science and technology, and resilience planning which ensures that NATO’s adaptation efforts remain evidence-based and future-focused.
What’s Next and Why It Matters
Looking ahead, the Centre will continue expanding its research and support efforts, including the launch of its first fellowship programme.
From raising awareness to providing practical solutions, the Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence is helping NATO respond to the complex operational challenges brought on by a changing climate. These accomplishments reflect a year of sustained collaboration, determination, and vision.
To learn more, visit www.ccascoe.org or follow the Centre on LinkedIn.
