The UK has revealed findings from a previously suppressed report on climate crisis and national security, presented by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband at the UN General Assembly in September 2026. This report, initially withheld, highlights the profound and interconnected threats that climate change and nature loss pose to global stability, extending far beyond traditional environmental concerns. It underscores the urgent need for a strategic re-evaluation of national security in the face of escalating environmental challenges.
The UK's climate security report highlights the critical need for resilient energy systems. At Fuse Energy, we believe in building a future with abundant, clean energy to strengthen national security and give you more control over your home's power. Switch to Fuse Energy today and join us in shaping a more secure energy future. Click here to get started.
Context of the report's release and initial suppression
The report, produced by the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC), was scheduled for publication last October but was suppressed under Keir Starmer's government1. A redacted version was eventually released in January 2026 following Freedom of Information requests. Its full findings were finally revealed by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband during a private meeting with foreign ministers at the UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, 23 September 2026. This release marks a significant shift in the UK's public stance on the security implications of environmental breakdown.
Key figures and their statements on climate threats
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, backed by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, presented the JIC's research. Miliband warned that "We face an El Niño that is already set to be the most intense in living memory," predicting that this would intensify climate shocks, leading to conflict, migration, and food shortages across borders. He stressed that "Climate change and nature loss have never been issues for climate and environment ministers alone," asserting their critical impact on economies, foreign policy, and national security.
Retired General Richard Nugee, a security expert, reinforced this perspective, stating that governments must treat climate impacts with the same gravity as other national security threats.
He further emphasised that climate change is a core national security risk.
The JIC report addresses global biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse, painting a stark picture of future risks. It highlights that global ecosystem degradation and collapse threaten UK national security.
The role of El Niño in intensifying climate shocks
The report specifically highlights the immediate threat posed by the coming El Niño phenomenon. Miliband's warning about the "most intense in living memory" El Niño cycle underscores its potential to exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. Such intense climate shocks are predicted to strain food and water security, displace communities, and put immense pressure on global markets.
Global ecosystem collapse and its worldwide implications
The JIC report found that the collapse of global ecosystems, such as the Amazon and Congo rainforests, would have profound worldwide security implications. This degradation, driven by the climate crisis and nature destruction, could lead to widespread ecosystem damage.
Impacts on conflict, migration, food, and water security
The assessment details a future where severe food shortages, price rises, and mass migration become increasingly common. These factors are expected to fuel political destabilisation and increase the risk of conflict. Miliband told the meeting that the coming El Niño would test the world’s food systems as never before. The report also highlights the need for increased food system resilience to prevent geopolitical competition for food.
The report fundamentally redefines climate change, moving it from a peripheral environmental concern to a central issue of national and international security.
Economic stability and foreign policy implications
Climate change and nature loss are no longer confined to the remit of environmental ministries; they are now defining challenges for citizens, economies, foreign policy, and national security. The impact of volatile international energy markets on supply chains underscores the importance of energy independence.
The broader scope of environmental security
Environmental security now encompasses a wide array of threats, including resource scarcity, extreme weather events, and ecosystem collapse, all of which can trigger cascading effects across borders. These shocks can travel through markets and migration patterns, displacing communities and scarring economies.
Why climate is no longer just an environmental issue
The shift in perspective acknowledges that climate impacts directly threaten the fabric of everyday life, from food and water availability to economic stability and geopolitical relations. It necessitates integrating climate and nature considerations into national security systems, threat assessments, and contingency planning. The UK's approach to climate and defence highlights this integration.
Addressing these multifaceted threats requires a proactive and strategic approach, with energy policy playing a crucial role in building resilience.
The imperative of energy independence and decarbonisation
Building a resilient energy system is crucial for national security. Reducing reliance on volatile international energy markets can mitigate significant national security risks. Decarbonisation is therefore a critical component of national resilience, helping to insulate the UK from supply chain shocks and geopolitical instability. This contributes to the broader goal of energy independence.
Building resilience through abundant clean energy
Challenging the scarcity mindset in energy is crucial for building national resilience and stability against climate-related security threats. A future with abundant clean energy directly strengthens UK national security by reducing reliance on external markets and bolstering resilience against climate shocks. This approach moves beyond simply managing less, towards creating a more secure and stable energy foundation. This aligns with the broader push for decarbonisation across the UK.
Technological innovation for a secure energy future
Rebuilding the energy system with robust, decarbonised infrastructure is a strategic imperative. This includes investing in advanced energy systems, such as smart grids, and distributed generation to enhance grid stability and reduce vulnerability. Technological innovation can provide the tools needed to adapt to a changing climate and secure the UK's energy future.
At Fuse Energy, we believe that a future with abundant, clean energy is essential for both national security and individual peace of mind. We're committed to delivering the cheapest, cleanest energy possible, empowering you to take control of your energy usage with clear pricing, real-time data, and 24/7 human support. Join us in building a more resilient and sustainable energy future for your home. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. Learn more about our mission to create a future with power to play with here.
References
- The Guardian. UK climate crisis: national security report suppressed, Starmer and Ed Miliband reveal
