As of: December 2011

Environmental cooperation within NATO

NATO is usually associated with joint military defence and political and strategic cooperation. But the North Atlantic Treaty also has a third - a civil - pillar. Article 2 explicitly provides for the further "development of peaceful and friendly international relations" among the parties. Environmental protection has been a part of this civil cooperation for about 40 years.

In 1969 NATO established the Committee on the Challenges of Modern Society (CCMS). Its mandate was explicitly worded as follows: "Explore ways in which the experience and resources of the Western nations can most effectively be marshalled toward improving the quality of life of our people and helping 20th century man to learn how to remain in harmony with the rapidly changing world." Following a structural reform, these tasks were temporarily transferred to the "Science for Peace and Security Committee" in 2006 which, in turn, was dissolved in 2010. The "Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme" was assigned to the Emerging Security Challenges Division (ESC).

Based on a broader definition of security which recognises the political, economic, social and ecological implications NATO explores safety relevant environmental changes. This includes the investigation of, e.g. extreme weather conditions, depletion of natural resources, environmental pollution, in short – factors which may eventually lead to disasters, regional tension and violence.

The environmental legacy of the Cold War is also addressed by NATO's Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC). The EAPC was established in 1997 and, in contrast to its forerunner NPCC, it also includes successor states of the Soviet Union. The EAPC is also concerned with environmental issues in the catchment areas of the Black and the Caspian Seas.

Cooperation with the Russian Federation takes place in the NATO-Russia Council (NRC) which was specifically set up fort his purpose. It concentrates primarily on projects concerning contaminated military sites and the safe storage and transport of mineral oil.