This essay argues that the major social, economic, political and technological changes that come with climate change adaptation need to be understood when discussing future geopolitical relations.
Climate change adaptation is often discussed in terms of preserving natural resource bases and ecosystems, or reducing the threat of conflict. Today’s developing countries are seen as the likely losers, having less ability to adapt to the risks they face.
The essay focuses on the geopolitical implications of changing patterns of water supply, demand, management and cooperation in India.
The essay is part of Raisina Files 2018: Debating Disruption in the New World Order, published in advance of the annual Raisina Dialogue.