This op-ed in the Christian Science Monitor suggests that "environmental engagement" could serve as sort of a back-door channel for easing U.S.-China tensions:
Environmental collaboration is unlikely to hit politically sensitive buttons, and thus offers great potential to deepen dialogue and cooperation. Military-to-military dialogue can facilitate the sharing of best practices on a range of environmental security issues. It can help both nations and their regional partners prepare for natural disasters "“ which are expected to intensify in a warming world "“ and improve the ability of civilian agencies and militaries to adapt to the impacts of climate change. It can also develop personal relationships that can provide deeper understanding in times of crisis.
This is a good example of the nexus between the maturing field of environmental security and foreign policy. However, in terms of any future global agreement limiting carbon emissions, climate change is a sensitive issue for ...
