Stockholm  - Swedish Defence Minister Sten Tolgfors Thursday commissioned a study on the linkages between climate change and security, arguing there was need for more knowledge.

"It is often said that there is a clear link between climate change and conflicts over the depletion of natural resources. And a lot seems to support it, but there is little research that enhances knowledge about it," Tolgfors said.

The study was to be conducted by the Swedish Defence Research Agency and completed at the end of 2010. In addition to looking into the linkages, the agency was also tasked with presenting recommendations.

The report would for instance highlight implications for both civil society and the military.

The European Union and the United Nations have also drafted reports on these issues.

Concerns include that people can be forced to move over rising sea levels, droughts and a drop in food production owing to the impact of climate change.

Melting sea ice and snow around the North Pole may in future provide access to hidden oil and gas reserves in the Arctic region, potentially sparking rivalry between nations. (dpa)