Facing Environmental Security

Authors

  • Heather A. Smith International Studies, University of Northern British Columbia

Abstract

This article examines the debates surrounding the concept of environmental security. Three approaches to environmental security are examined: traditional environmental security, global environmental security and comprehensive/human security. In spite of some weaknesses, the comprehensive/human security approach is advocated. It is the approach that recognizes that there are many types of insecurity and multiple types of threats. There is potential in this approach to allow us to understand the complex nature of security without priviledging either traditional military conceptions of security or highlighting the environment to the exclusion of other types of threats. Comprehensive/human security offers us a holistic approach.

Author Biography

Heather A. Smith, International Studies, University of Northern British Columbia

Heather A. Smith is an Assistant Professor of International Studies at the University of Northern British Columbia. She is presently a Visiting Professor of International Studies at the Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico in Mexico City. Her research focuses on issues relating to the environment and Canadian foreign policy and gender andCanadian foreign policy.

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Issue

Vol. 4 No. 1 (2001): Winter 2000/Spring 2001

Section

Articles