Global Nature Of Environmental Problems: Environmental issues, such as climate change, ozone layer depletion, and biodiversity loss, transcend national boundaries. The effects of environmental degradation are not confined to the countries where the degradation occurs. For instance, emissions from one country can have climatic impacts globally. Therefore, the international nature of these problems necessitates a collective, global approach, bringing them firmly into the realm of world politics.

Shared Responsibility: No single government can fully address many of these environmental challenges. International collaboration, treaties, and protocols, such as the Paris Agreement on climate change or the Montreal Protocol on ozone-depleting substances, are essential. This collaborative approach introduces environmental concerns as a crucial aspect of global politics and diplomacy.

Power Dynamics And Inequalities: Environmental degradation and resource depletion don’t affect all nations equally. Historically industrialised nations have contributed significantly to current environmental issues, while developing nations often bear the brunt of the consequences, such as rising sea levels or increased frequency of extreme weather events. The question of who is responsible for causing, mitigating, and adapting to environmental changes becomes a deeply political one, rooted in historic inequalities and power dynamics.

Resource Access And Control: Access to natural resources, whether it be clean water, arable land, or mineral wealth, is a longstanding concern in international relations. As these resources become scarcer due to environmental degradation, their strategic importance grows, leading to potential conflicts or cooperation among nations.

The Human Dimension: Environmental issues are inextricably linked to human rights and development. The statistic about the lack of access to safe water and sanitation underscores this point. Such challenges can exacerbate social inequalities, lead to mass migrations, and impact global health — all of which have significant political implications.

Reframing Of Security: The traditional understanding of ‘security’ in global politics has evolved to include environmental security. For instance, the scarcity of resources like water can lead to conflicts, making it a security concern.

Shift From Natural Phenomena To Political Issues: While environmental changes might seem like purely ‘natural phenomena’, their causes and consequences are deeply rooted in human activities and choices. The decisions countries make regarding industry, urbanisation, agriculture, and more directly influence the environment. Conversely, the state of the environment can impact a nation’s economy, health, and security. Hence, these issues aren’t just topics for geographers but are central to political science.

Emergence Of Environmental Actors In World Politics: In addition to states and intergovernmental organisations, non-state actors such as NGOs, indigenous communities, and multinational corporations play significant roles in global environmental politics. Their advocacy, actions, and interactions with states bring another layer of complexity to how environmental concerns shape global politics.