Climate change ‘grave threat to global peace: Johnson

KABUL (Pajhwok): British prime minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday warned that unless urgent action is taken to tackle climate change, the world risks worsening conflict, displacement and insecurity.

 “The UNSC is tasked with confronting the gravest threats to global peace and security, and that’s exactly what climate change represents, the PM said, ahead of chairing the United Nations Security Council session.

The UK leader is chairing a virtual session of the Council to call on members to help the most vulnerable countries adapt to the impact of climate change and take steps to cut global emissions to net zero by 2050.

It is the first time a British Prime Minister has chaired the UNSC in nearly 30 years and the first leader-level discussion on climate at the Security Council.

Sir David Attenborough will also speak to the 15 members of the UNSC by video, before UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Sudanese climate activist Nisreen Elsaim brief the Security Council live.  

The impacts of climate change are already being felt around the world, with the effects of rising temperatures and extreme weather forcing population movements and creating competition over increasingly scarce natural resources.

Of the 20 countries ranked most vulnerable to rising global temperatures, 12 are already in conflict. 

From the communities uprooted by extreme weather and hunger, to warlords capitalising on the scramble for resources – a warming planet is driving insecurity. 

Sir David Attenborough, British Broadcaster and Natural Historian said: “If we bring emissions down with sufficient vigour we may yet avoid the tipping points that will make runaway climate change unstoppable.

“In November this year, at COP26 in Glasgow, we may have our last opportunity to make the necessary step-change.”

The UK has led the way on climate action, committing in law to reach net zero by 2050 and pledging to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 68 per cent by 2030 – the steepest reduction of any major economy. 

pr/ma