Editorial: "Climate Change, Natural Resources, and Human Security in Governance and Society: Vulnerabilities and Adaptation Strategies"

Muhlis Madani^1*Dr. Simon Gray²Mergen Dyussenov³Farida Tadjine⁴

• ¹Muhammadiyah University of Makassar, Makassar, Indonesia
• ²Independent Researcher, Invercargill, New Zealand
• ³Astana IT University, Astana, Kazakhstan
• ⁴University of Ouargla, Ouargla, Algeria

Human security is inherently linked to the impacts of climate change and natural resource management. As a multidimensional people-centric concept, human security extends beyond traditional state-centric notions of security concerning defence, sovereignty, and conflict. It encompasses access to food, water, health care, and sustainable livelihoods. When these are disrupted by climate stress, the implications for human security can be destabilizing (O'Brien et al., 2008;Ikhsan et al., 2025). Vulnerable populations, including indigenous communities, smallholder farmers, women and the urban poor, are disproportionally affected. The interplay between climate impacts, natural resources, and existing socio-economic inequalities can exacerbate tensions, lead to displacement, and strain governance institutions. Moreover, such conditions of human insecurity may escalate into conflict or violence, especially in the Global South, where rising global demand for resources intersects with environmental fragility and governance deficits (Nandy & Majee, 2024). This Research Topic takes a comprehensive approach to exploring how countries can navigate these challenges through adaptive strategies rooted in governance and societal resilience. The objective is not only to analyze vulnerabilities but also to identify pathways for action through policy, institutions and community engagement. This includes examining both top-down policy responses and bottom-up community-led initiatives, with a view toward integrating local knowledge, scientific research, and inclusive governance practices (Agrawal et al., 2012).A key contribution of this collection is its focus on governance. Good governance is a cornerstone of effective climate resilience, yet in many countries, institutional frameworks remain fragmented or under-resourced (Lockwood et al., 2010). Coordinated and transparent decision-making, equitable resource allocation, and participatory processes are essential for building trust and ensuring that adaptation efforts are responsive to the needs of diverse stakeholders. Several papers in this volume highlight how governance reforms, decentralisation, and the empowerment of local authorities can enhance the effectiveness of climate adaptation policies.Equally important is the role of policy coherence and integration. Climate change, natural resource management, and human security are often addressed in silos, leading to fragmented interventions that fail to capture the interconnectedness of these issues. This Research Topic advocates for a holistic approach that bridges sectoral boundaries and promotes policy integration. For instance, national climate adaptation plans should be closely aligned with natural resource governance strategies, disaster risk reduction frameworks, and development planning processes (Nilsson et al., 2012). Such integration can help identify synergies, avoid duplication of efforts, and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently. For example, Hardi et al. explore smart city interoperability in Indonesia, demonstrating how integrated digital infrastructure supports human security and governance efficiency. Similarly, Burhanuddin et al. stress the importance of regional human resource capacity in enabling adaptive governance in Indonesia. Harakan et al. illustrate the value of inter-agency collaboration in urban fire resilience-an example of institutional synergy that supports both community and environmental security.In the legal domain, Anbarasi and Sankar analyse how artificial intelligence could enhance environmental sustainability through judicial processes, offering a novel perspective on legal frameworks and climate governance. Additionally, Mazzega explores how state actors use ratification strategies as part of their climate diplomacy, underscoring the importance of political negotiation in environmental governance. Ginzky and Oschlies add to this discussion by examining the London Protocol's control mechanisms over climate engineering research, advocating for transparent global regulation frameworks that serve the public good.Equally important is the role of policy coherence and integration. Climate change, natural resource management, and human security are often addressed in silos, leading to fragmented interventions that fail to capture the interlinks of these issues. This Research Topic advocates for a holistic approach that bridges sectoral boundaries and promotes policy integration. For instance, national climate adaptation plans should be closely aligned with natural resource governance strategies, disaster risk reduction frameworks, and development planning processes (Nilsson et al., 2012). Agustino et al. and Yenita and Soegiarso provide case studies of Indonesia's new capital development, revealing the tension between ambitious infrastructure plans and sustainability goals. Banda and Du Plessis also highlight that the success of egovernment for sustainability depends significantly on state capacity.The contributions in this volume also delve into the socio-economic dimensions of vulnerability. Understanding who is most affected by climate change and why is critical for designing effective interventions. Case studies presented here illustrate how socio-economic factors such as poverty, gender inequality, land tenure insecurity, and lack of education compound the risks associated with climate change (Eriksen et al., 2007). Addressing these underlying vulnerabilities requires targeted social protection measures, capacity-building programmes, and inclusive development strategies that prioritise equity and justice. Satriawan et al., for example, discuss the intersection of media, politics, and public awareness in shaping sustainable policy support in Indonesia's presidential election context.Community resilience emerges as a recurring theme throughout the Research Topic. Resilient communities are those that can anticipate, absorb, adapt to, and recover from climate-related shocks. Building such resilience involves more than just infrastructure development or financial investments-it requires strengthening social capital, fostering adaptive capacities, and supporting local leadership (Cutter et al., 2008) Moreover, the Research Topic emphasizes knowledge generation and exchange. Reliable, context-specific information enables evidence-based decision-making in adaptation. Alongside scientific data, indigenous knowledge provides critical insights (Ford et al., 2016). Collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and communities enhances innovation.The editorial team also recognises the value of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research. Contributions span empirical analysis, theory, policy, and comparative case studies. Such a diversity reflects the multifaceted nature of climate-security-resource challenges.Looking forward, this Research Topic generates actionable policy insights. These include participatory governance, resilient infrastructure, climate risk integration in planning, and the empowerment of vulnerable groups. International cooperation and finance remain vital, especially in the Global South (Persson et al., 2009). A final recommendation is institutional capacity-building at all levels. Adaptive leadership, institutional learning, and flexible governance structures are key for navigating uncertainty (Gupta et al., 2010).In conclusion, this Research Topic offers a timely and integrative analysis of the links between climate change, natural resources, and human security. It highlights the need for innovative, inclusive, and forward-looking governance that can support resilience and sustainability amid growing climate risks. We hope the insights presented here will guide policy, inspire scholarship, and empower communities globally.