This paper, authored by Vice Admiral (Ret.) Mark Mellett, Former Chief of Defence of the Irish Defence Forces, reflects upon the origins of Ireland’s relationship to its own national security and defence. It traces the development of Ireland’s focus on the land domain at the expense of the maritime from the foundation of the Irish State, and the insufficient focus given to Ireland’s security and defence.

The paper highlights that in a more challenging security environment, and with multilateral institutions under increased strain, Ireland will have to be more proactive in holding up its own sovereign rights for the security of the people who live on the island and in order to meet its obligations and as a committed member of the multilateral system. Finally, this paper argues that for Ireland to be able to adapt to this episteme of increased geostrategic tension, Ireland will not only need to formulate a strategy for how it approaches matters of defence, but will have to generate the political will from policymakers to usher in a new strategic culture which recognises the risks to the Island and the importance of its protection.

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With firsthand experience of Ireland’s peacekeeping efforts, Dr Mark Mellett’s essay, “Nature, Consciousness and the Anthropocene – Security Within an Ecosystem?”, diagnoses factors that can lead to conflict and reduced global security. He then constructs a wide ranging and holistic vision of the future of global security which focuses on climate change and biodiversity loss as major risk factors – “we live in an extraordinary time where the rate of change on so many fronts, including climate and security, is akin to what one experiences in wartime and yet we try to act as if we are at peace.” Furthermore, Mellett examines how we can evolve as a society to live more harmoniously with each other and with our natural environment. Drawing on Pierre Teilhard de Chardin SJ and Ilia Delio, he maintains that “greater convergence of science and religion” is vital to build and maintain global security. Lefeuvre and Winright, articulating the importance of religion and its teaching in how we navigate towards global security. Practically, Mellett closes his essay by prescribing five ways to promote a more peaceful loving society including implementing the Loss and Damage fund; implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals; and promoting multilateralism and collaboration.

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With the insight of Mark Mellett, Founder and Director of Green Compass & Vice Admiral (Rtd)

Mark : "The opportunity that will come from the maritime is extraordinary. Ireland in particular has probably the largest accessible renewable energy resource on the planet."

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Mark Mellett is former chief of staff of the Irish Defence forces. Mellett has a unique perspective on climate and environment, having worked as with the Irish Naval Services and the Irish Defence Forces for many years. His experience has led him to believe that climate change poses one of the biggest security risks facing the world today, from migration, to conflict, to protecting new energy infrastructure.

For his policy changes, Mellett proposed for Ireland to bolster European Union security and autonomy by becoming a clean energy hub, address climate security and migration at an international level, and promote loss and damage funding for poorer countries.

For his personal change Mark discussed buying an electric car, and how he had set up a new company to help contribute to global climate action.

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The Head of the Irish Defense Forces, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett, was Cara's guest this week for 'My Green Life' - where he gave a surprising insight into how Ireland’s military is considering environmental issues.

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The fourth lecture of the series was delivered by Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM, Chief of Staff of the Irish Defense Forces. For over two decades he has been a change leader, contributing to ongoing transformation and positioning the Irish forces in a post-modern setting.

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Constructing a Framework for Human Security - Values, Goals and Leadership with Vice Admiral Mellet

University College Cork and the Irish Defence Forces are pleased to collaborate in a lecture series on international relations, security and defence. The first lecture was delivered by Defence Forces Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Mark Mellett. The world faces an increasingly challenging and complex security environment, with issues such as climate change, migration and the Covid-19 pandemic posing major challenges in terms of broader human security. The lecture series continues to look at contemporary global security challenges, how such problems may impact on Ireland, and how Ireland can contribute to addressing regional and global security threats.

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