We Must Think of “Security” in New Ways

Protesters march through Port-au-Prince in April 2008 to demand the government lower the price of basic commodities. Credit: Nick Whalen/IPSBy Zafar AdeelHAMILTON, Canada, Oct 21 2014 (IPS)Recent events in the Arab world and elsewhere have underscored the point that traditional notions of security being dependent solely on military and related apparatus are outmoded.Security is a multi-faceted domain that operates at the nexus of human development and sustainable management of water, energy and food resources.The confluence of water scarcity with energy shortages, food-price hikes, ballooning numbers of jobless youth, and poor regional economic performance has created a dangerous recipe.“Water, Energy and the Arab Awakening,” a new book from an association of former world leaders, the InterAction Council, co-edited and published by the UN University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, explores dimensions of security from a range of angles and offers some uncommon conclusions.Much has been written in the recent years about water security as the crucial fulcrum on which human development and overall security balances. Access to modern energy services and adequate food, safe drinking water and sanitation are now deemed key determinants.A clear indication of this increased awareness was provided by global business and political leaders in Davos last year, who recognised water insecurity as one of the five most important world risks.Energy generation and consumption ...
Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health - Category: Global & Universal Authors: Tags: Active Citizens Armed Conflicts Civil Society Climate Change Crime & Justice Democracy Development & Aid Education Energy Environment Featured Food & Agriculture Global Global Geopolitics Global Governance Headlines Health Source Type: news