The NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence (CCASCOE), based in Montreal, has officially received NATO accreditation. This milestone marks a significant step in advancing the Alliance’s ability to address the security implications of climate change.
A Defining Challenge for NATO
Climate change is increasingly shaping global security. It acts as a threat multiplier – intensifying extreme weather events, disrupting supply chains, and challenging military readiness. NATO first recognized this urgency through its Climate Change and Security Agenda (2021) and Action Plan, both of which highlighted the need for a dedicated Centre of Excellence to support Allied adaptation and resilience.
From Proposal to Accreditation
Canada first proposed hosting a Centre of Excellence on climate and security in 2022. One year later, at the NATO Summit in Vilnius, twelve Allies signed the Operational Memorandum of Understanding to establish CCASCOE. These 12 Sponsoring Nations are: Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Norway, Romania, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom.
The Centre began its initial operations in Montreal in October 2023, under the leadership of Director Mathieu Bussières. With accreditation now secured in May 2024, CCASCOE is on track to be fully operational by the end of the year.
Mission and Four Pillars
CCASCOE will play a central role in supporting NATO’s work on climate and security. Its mission spans four key areas:
- Awareness – increasing Allied understanding of how climate change impacts security
- Adaptation – helping NATO and partners adjust to climate impacts on operations and infrastructure
- Mitigation – exploring ways to reduce the military’s environmental footprint while maintaining effectiveness
- Outreach – engaging with academia, industry, civil society, and international partners
International Collaboration
As the Framework Nation, Canada chairs CCASCOE’s Steering Committee, which oversees the Centre’s priorities and program of work. Sponsoring Nations contribute personnel and funding, while Contributing Partners – NATO Allies or partners – may also provide expertise and benefit from the Centre’s outputs.
By design, CCASCOE is collaborative and outward-looking. It will foster dialogue and research across the Alliance and beyond, ensuring NATO remains prepared for the evolving challenges that climate change poses to global peace and security.
The Centre began its initial operations in Montreal in October 2023, under the leadership of Director Mathieu Bussières. With accreditation now secured in May 2024, CCASCOE is on track to be fully operational by the end of the year.
