Summary
- Senior climate–security expert with global policy and military roles.
- 20-year Australian Army background with defence and strategic experience.
- Research focus on climate risks and military responses to them.
- Leading voice educating security leaders on climate change impacts.
Dr Michael Thomas is a non-resident Senior Fellow with the Washington-based Center for Climate & Security, where he co-leads the Indo-Pacific Program. Michael is also a council member with the International Military Council on Climate Change. A graduate of the Australian Defence Force Academy, Michael served for 20 years in the Australian Army. His PhD research examined the security risks of climate change, and how military forces have responded to the threats posed by climate change. He has published widely on climate security and is the author of The Securitisation of Climate Change (2017). Michael has been a leader in educating security leaders regarding climate change, including his work with the ADF Global Change Initiative, the Australian Defence College, and UNSW ADFA.
Collaborators
Ian Dunlop
Energy Expert and Strategic Advisor
Former executive advising decarbonisation, resource constraints and systemic economic transition risks.
Chris Barrie
Former Defence Chief and Security Advocate
Ex-ADF leader highlighting climate threats, national security risks and policy urgency.
Cheryl Durrant
Climate Security Analyst and Defence Strategist
Former military leader specialising preparedness, resilience and climate risk integration strategies.
Neil Greet
Climate Security Analyst and Advisor
Retired colonel assessing defence implications, environmental instability and strategic planning challenges.
