Security and the environment in Pakistan /

This report focuses on the nexus between security and environmental concerns in Pakistan that have the potential to affect American security and foreign policy interests. Environmental concerns include, but are not limited to, water and food scarcity, natural disasters, and the effects of climate ch...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Vaughn, Bruce, 1963- (Author), Carter, Nicole T. (Author), Sheikh, Pervaze A. (Author), Johnson, Renée (Specialist in agricultural policy) (Author)
Format: Electronic eBook
Language:English
Published: [Washington, District of Columbia] : Congressional Research Service, [2010]
Series:CRS report for Congress ; R41358.
U.S. Congressional documents.
Subjects:
Online Access:CONNECT
Description
Summary:This report focuses on the nexus between security and environmental concerns in Pakistan that have the potential to affect American security and foreign policy interests. Environmental concerns include, but are not limited to, water and food scarcity, natural disasters, and the effects of climate change. Environmental stresses, when combined with the other socio-economic and political stresses on Pakistan, have the potential to further weaken an already weak Pakistani state. Such a scenario would make it more difficult to achieve the U.S. goal of neutralizing anti- Western terrorists in Pakistan. Some analysts argue that disagreements over water could also exacerbate existing tensions between India and Pakistan. Given the importance of this region to U.S. interests for many reasons, the report identifies an issue that may be of increasing concern for Congress in the years ahead. Preliminary findings by experts seem to indicate that existing environmental problems in Pakistan are sufficiently significant to warrant a close watch, especially when combined with Pakistan's limited resilience due to mounting demographic stresses, internal political instability, security challenges, and limited economic resources.
Item Description:"August 3, 2010."
"Prepared for members and committees of Congress."
Physical Description:1 online resource (26 pages).
Bibliography:Includes bibliographical references.