According to the Head of State, research has identified multiple pathways through which climate change interacts with political, social and environmental stresses to compound existing vulnerabilities and tensions. “Rising temperatures and extreme weather put pressure on natural resources and undermine livelihoods, causing tensions and displacement. For example, in 2020, nearly 31 million people were displaced within their own countries because of natural disasters caused by extreme weather events and climate change. Again, persons in vulnerable situations were hit harder. The World Bank recently estimated that the total number of "climate migrants" could be as high as 216 million by the year 2050,” added President Karis.
According to the President of the Republic, we see conflicts for natural resources within and between states and we also see people who have become desperate from having lost their livelihoods, homes, loved ones or hope for a better future. “This opens up opportunities for illegal trade and creates conditions for terrorist organisations to take advantage of the unstable situation and desperation of people. This is what we are currently witnessing at the European borders”, remarked the Head of State.
President Karis emphasised his belief that all mechanisms that help to reduce poverty, inequalities and adaptation problems brought by rapid social, cultural and environmental changes also help to fight terrorism.
The UN Security Council has the relevant tools and the mandate to respond to climate-related security risks, added the Head of State. “It is time to go beyond the holding of thematic debates and to take a more ambitious notion of climate and security. We need a Security Council resolution on climate and security – this is the only way to advance our discussions and make a difference,” said the Head of State.
The meeting today was convened by Niger, which holds the Presidency of the Security Council in December, presided by Mohamed Bazoum, President of Niger, and attended by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations.
