1 OCTOBER 2024 | OUR PEOPLE
DST Senior Research Scientist – Climate Intelligence, Brent Martin, met with NATO’s new Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence (CCASCOE). The DST Climate Change and Extreme Environments program of work focuses on supporting the NZDF to respond to a changing climate through research and science. Martin visited the CCASCOE to explore the work the centre is doing in climate security and to discuss collaboration opportunities on climate change and climate security.
“Although NZ is not a NATO member we are a partner nation so we are able to work together on areas of common interest such as climate change.” Martin said.
“The CCASCOE is conducting research to understand the implications of climate change on military operations which is something that we are aiming to provide for the NZDF.”
Mr Martin is involved in developing a Climate Intelligence programme for the NZDF, and is a member of the Five Eyes S&T Community of Interest in Power and Energy.
Five Eyes S&T is a collaborative five nation forum between Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. New Zealand has recently reaffirmed its relationship with NATO through the Individual Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP). The updated ITPP covers a number of areas where New Zealand and NATO will continue to work together and outlines partnership goals. This includes New Zealand and NATO committing to cooperate effectively on climate change and security, and promote climate change awareness and increased climate action in the security and defence sector.
“Being a small nation means we need to ensure that we use our comparatively smaller resources more effectively.” Martin said.
“Collaboration is a great way to gain access to larger research efforts while also making a contribution.”
In photo above: from left to right: Director Mr. Mathieu Bussières, Mr Brent Martin DST, Deputy Director Dr. Seidenberger, Chief of Staff Colonel Francois Tinjod, Head of Research Dr. Reiner Zimmermann, and Head of Outreach and Engagement Martin Aarnaes