James R. Lee
Dr. James (Jim) Lee has explored the intersection of environment, conflict, trade, and culture for more than 30 years. To shine a light on these complex challenges of our times, he has published relevant articles, reports, and research papers and made numerous presentations all around the world. The Inventory of Conflict and Environment is a widely used information resources for researchers, policy-makers, teachers, and students.
Biography
Jim is a Researcher-in-Residence at the School of International Service with American University (Washington, DC), where he was a faculty member for many years. He also played a central role in the creation of AU’s Center for Teaching Excellence, where he directed the training of faculty teaching online and oversaw the campus research lab.His research is not just based on ideas. He has policy experience at the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Office of the US Trade Representative, both of which highlighted the policy aspects of these key cross-roads.
His recent work – and book – fixates on what he believes is the crisis of our times, namely, the collision of environmental and conflict forces. Driven by a deteriorating environment and rising demographic demands, the gap between wants and resources will inevitably lead to friction. This will not be a traditional conflict fought along military lines. Rather, it will be a slow and diffuse unsettlement that that will increasingly build to a crescendo. Despite today’s global politics, some day there will need to be some global decisions to address these issues. These issues are only the beginning of environmental conflict challenges in the 21st century.
Education
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PhD, American University, Washington, DC, 1986
Areas of Research / Professional Expertise
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Intentional relations, environment, conflict, climate change
Websites
Environmental Conflict and Cooperation page
ICE Search and Scenario
Inventory of Conflict and Environment (ICE)
Books
Articles
Cloud Seeding, Conflict, and Climate Change
Published: Jul 08, 2019 by UK House of Commons, Science and Technology Committee Publications
Authors: James R. Lee
Cloud seeding is a form of geo-engineering. As climate becomes more variable and some places more arid, there will be an increased use of cloud seeding to make up for rainfall shortages. However, these aerial sorties will need to be carried out on a consistent basis. It may political mis0understanding or used to mask military build-ups and capabilities.
Situating Australia in a World of Climate and Conflict
Published: Jul 08, 2019 by Geo-Strategy and War: Enduring Lessons for the Australian Army
Authors: James R. Lee
Climate change will have enormous consequences for Australia's security and interests. It means great changes in it's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as well as its claims in Antartica, which is an enormous area.
Climate Change, Conflict, and Moving Borders
Published: Apr 28, 2016 by The International Journal of Climate Change
Authors: James Lee and Kisei Tanaka
Subjects:
Environment and Sustainability
Borders around the world are often based on natural phenomena. Climate change will alter borders in a variety of ways involving rivers, glaciers, and coastlines.
A Brief History of Climate Change and Conflict
Published: Aug 14, 2009 by Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
Authors: James R. Lee
Subjects:
Political Science, Environment and Agriculture , Environment and Sustainability
Environmental conflict is not a new phenomenon. In fact, it is old as we are. People have fought of environmental resources throughout their history. What they fought over though has shifted over time.