Impacto de la contaminación ambiental en la Seguridad Nacional

Abstract

Environmental pollution has become one of the greatest challenges of the twenty-first century due to its effects on public health, natural resources, economic development, and political stability. Within the framework of national security, environmental degradation is no longer viewed solely as an ecological issue but as a strategic factor that increases societal vulnerability, weakens institutional capacities, and contributes to social conflicts associated with resource scarcity, ecosystem degradation, andclimate change.This article analyzes the impact of environmental pollution on national security from a multidimensional perspective, considering the contributions of human security theory, risk society, and contemporary national security approaches. It also examines the main sources of air, water, and soil pollution and their consequences for governance, critical infrastructure, food security, public health, and Peru's sustainable development.The research employs a qualitative methodology based on documentary analysis of scientific literature, reports from international organizations, and Peruvian environmental and disaster risk management regulations. The findings indicate that environmental pollution intensifies non-traditional threats, reduces institutional resilience, and limits the State's capacity to ensure public welfare and protect national interests.The study concludes that environmental protection is an essential component of national security and that strengthening environmental governance, disaster risk management, climate adaptation policies, and interinstitutional coordination is necessary to address current and future environmental threats.