Revista Sextante

Climate Change and Its Implications for Naval Operations and Maritime Safety

Anwar Hossain-Fitzgerald

Centre for Climate, Security and Maritime Safety Studies, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Keywords: climate change, naval operations, maritime safety, Arctic navigation, adaptation and resilience

Abstract

Climate change is altering the physical environment of the oceans through warming seas, rising sea levels, shrinking sea ice and shifts in storm and wave conditions, with direct consequences for the safety of ships and seafarers and for the planning of naval forces. This article examines the implications of climate change for naval operations and maritime safety. Drawing on climate science assessments, research on coastal impacts, polar navigation, marine ecosystems, climate-related security risks and resilience, it analyses effects on coastal naval infrastructure, severe-weather safety, Arctic operations, humanitarian demand and the energy transition, and it considers institutional adaptation. The analysis indicates that climate pressure is greatest where infrastructure is long-lived and exposed, where operations expand into harsher environments and where demand for assistance grows, while adaptation readiness remains uneven. Limitations include uncertainty in regional projections, contested links between climate and conflict and limited evidence on operational impacts. An illustrative figure summarises expected climate pressure and adaptation readiness across domains.