Human-induced climate change over the coming century is likely to threaten not only physical ecosystems, but also the security of individuals, societies, and states. By precipitating natural disasters, and by affecting the livelihood of communities, climate change may exacerbate existing social tensions, create incentives for illegal actions, place unbearable strains on the capacities of states, and lead to resource disputes and struggles between and within states. This edited volume is the result of a symposium in Wellington in November 2008 that was convened to consider the factual bases for these claims, and to explore how New Zealand can and should respond. Rich in comparative material, the volume sounds a note of warning against both complacency and excessive scaremongering.