UAE Presses Security Council to Address Climate Change as a Threat to Security

The UAE advocated for practical and actionable steps that the UN Security Council could adopt to address the impact of climate change on international peace and security, including steps for when the UAE serves on the Council for the 2022-2023 term.

The UAE submitted a written statement to the UN Security Council for its high-level open debate addressing climate-related threats to international peace and security convened by the United Kingdom in its capacity as president of the Council for February.

“There is a growing recognition by the international community of the impact of climate change as a contributing factor to conflict and stability,” the UAE stated. “But mere recognition is no longer enough. It is time for the Security Council to identify actionable areas where it can contribute to alleviating the negative impact of climate change on global stability.”

In its statement, the UAE recommended that UN peacekeeping operations increase their use of renewable and sustainable energy. The UAE also urged the UN and Member States to ensure climate-risk analysis is gender-sensitive, and for climate change-induced hardships in vulnerable countries to be considered security risks and prioritized as such. 

Furthermore, the UAE suggested that the Council make better use of modern technology and innovation to map potential climate disasters and respond to them proactively. 

Forecasts based on scientific modeling could help the UN draw up risk assessments and risk management strategies related to climate change. Ultimately, this will help UN peace operations preserve lives and livelihoods.