The EU is unprepared for future conflicts over energy resources, according to a new report written for the meeting of EU leaders on 13-14 March. The report, seen by the Guardian, predicts that global warming might lead to energy wars, mass migration, failed states and political radicalisation. The report highlights the “scramble” over natural resources from the thawing Arctic region as a potential new conflict area with Russia.

This is not the first report looking at the security aspects of the climate crisis. In April 2007, a group of eleven retired US admirals and generals published a report underlining the risks of global warming and energy insecurity for America’s national security.

NATO leaders meeting in Bucharest in April will also discuss this issue.

The Oxford Research Group published an excellent overview of the national security dimension of global warming in January 2008.