Posted on 23 February 2023
Last week, the UN Security Council held its first ever debate on climate change and discussed its predicted implications on peace and security. UN Secretary-General António Guterres opened the conversation, and described climate change as a “threat multiplier” with consequences “unthinkable.”
It was revealed predicted sea level rise has the potential to have severe consequences for 900 million people residing in low lying coastal areas, impacting 2/3 of member states. Permanent Representative of Tonga to the United Nations, Viliami Va’inga Tone, spoke on behalf of member states in the Pacific, saying "climate change remains the single greatest existential threat facing the Blue Pacific."
Rosemary DiCarlo, the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs called for action, stating “we must act now, with a sense of urgency and a commitment to place people, especially those most marginalized and vulnerable, at the centre of our efforts.”