- The Climate General : The book that reveals the crucial and under-explored link between climate change and global security
- By Tom Middendorp, with Antonie van Campen
- Released on 15 December 2023 in English and French versions in Europe and the United States.
In a speech in December 2016, the Chief of Defence of the Dutch Armed Forces Tom Middendorp drew a link between climate change and war and made headlines in his country. “Climate change is a cause of conflict, a breeding ground for extremism and can lead to migratory flows,” he says. He also points out that the security sector does not pay enough attention to the climate and its impact on our lives. General Climate was born.
Drawing on his experience on the ground in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Sahel, and his in-depth knowledge of the world’s trouble spots, Middendorp masterfully demonstrates the extent to which climate change and global security are intrinsically linked. However, he does not content himself with this alarming observation. He proposes a clear and positive vision, based on simple principles and a panorama of solutions. “Think big, start small, start somewhere”. He demonstrates the extent to which military organisations and civil society can benefit from working together in the many areas that influence climate change and enable us to adapt to it.
“I firmly believe in our ability to survive and innovate, but we must not wait until it is too late. We must look to the future, rise above the mundane, invest in our children’s future and, above all, be prepared to cross divides and reach out to each other in the fight against this common enemy.”
Tom Middendorp
Tom Middendorp: “Climate and Security are two sides of the same coin. In many regions in the world insecurity and conflicts stand in the way of progress and building climate resilience. At the same time I experienced that climate change acts as a risk multiplier and root cause of conflict.
When I addressed this 7 years ago go as a Chief of Defence, people laughed at me and mockingly called me a ‘Climate General’. I felt like a lone fighter, but found much support in the International Military Council on Climate and Security. A network of security leaders and research institutes from more than 40 countries. Together we have put the climate-security nexus on the map.
The book ‘The Climate General’ is a story-telling book based on examples and best practices, full of urgency and hope, meant to explain, help understand and inspire.”
“The Climate General” is published by LA BUTINEUSE, a publishing house committed to raising awareness of climate issues and the impact of human the impact of human activities on our planet.
Foreword by Ban Ki-moon and Feike Sijbesma, Co-Chairs of Global Center for Adaptation:
« We recommend The Climate General to anyone keen on understanding the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change and more importantly, the solutions and strategies that can lead us to a better tomorrow. »
Ban Ki-moon and Feike Sijbesma
Author : Tom Middendorp has led more than 20 international missions during his military career. Since 2019, he has been Chairman of the International Military Council on Climate and Security (IMCCS) and participates in numerous international conferences. Antonie van Campen is now a freelance speechwriter. She has known Tom for many years, was an important sounding board for him and a voice for the younger generation. She is the one who wrote the speech which earned him the nickname “Climate General”.
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