Syke Policy Brief | Sustainable solutions for environmental policy | Finnish Environment Institute | 15.4.2026
Comprehensive security is founded on a good state of the environment Climate change, biodiversity loss and the crossing of tipping points in the Earth System are among the most serious security risks in the coming decades.1 A deteriorating environment weakens people’s living conditions, acts as a driver of conflict, or may itself be a consequence of warfare. A good state of the environment is a prerequisite for societal and human wellbeing. Environment and nature must be firmly integrated into comprehensive security models in Finland and elsewhere through concrete actions and by strengthening expertise across the security sector. Security threats arising from environmental crises should be addressed through policy measures that advance sustainability transformations. The same investments can create new business opportunities while promoting human wellbeing, societal stability and peace.
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Knowledge base on the state of the environment must be strengthened. Knowledge-based solutions that enable better preparedness for threats should be developed in cooperation with different actors. It is important to seek synergies between defence investments and the environment. Projects that strengthen national defence can simultaneously promote environmental monitoring, ecosystem restoration and protection, as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation.
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