The United Kingdom has appointed Dame Madeleine Alessandri, a former chair of its Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC), as its first special representative for climate security, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s response to the security risks associated with climate change.

The appointment was announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham at the United Nations COP31 climate summit in Antalya, Turkey, on Thursday.

The new role is intended to ensure that climate-related threats are given greater consideration in the UK’s national security and foreign policy decisions. These threats include food and water shortages, forced migration, competition over resources and conflicts intensified by environmental pressures.

Alessandri, who chaired the JIC from July 2023 to 2026, has extensive experience in national security and government. The committee coordinates intelligence assessments for ministers on security, defence and foreign affairs.

She previously served as permanent secretary at the Northern Ireland Office and as one of the UK’s deputy national security advisers.

In a statement following her appointment, Alessandri said she would work with government departments and international partners to improve understanding of climate threats, strengthen resilience and prepare for emerging challenges.

Burnham described climate change as a national security issue, arguing that its consequences are already affecting lives and livelihoods.

The appointment follows growing concerns that climate change could worsen existing vulnerabilities around the world, particularly through extreme weather, ecosystem damage and pressure on food supplies.

A British government assessment earlier this year warned that climate-related damage to ecosystems overseas could disrupt food supplies and contribute to migration and conflict, with potential consequences for the UK.

The appointment has been described as a world first because it creates a dedicated government role specifically focused on climate security. However, countries already have climate envoys whose responsibilities may include security-related issues.

The move has received support from environmental advocates, who regard climate change as a threat multiplier. However, Greenpeace has questioned the consistency of the government’s climate commitments, pointing to its recent approval of gas development in the North Sea.

The appointment places climate security more prominently on the UK’s international agenda as governments meet at COP31 to discuss the global response to climate change.