Energy, Climate and Natural Resources
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In recent years, few thematic issues addressed by the Security Council have aroused as much attention, or controversy, as climate change and security. While it is not a formal agenda item, climate change and security has increasingly become a focus of signature events spearheaded by Council presidents. More and more, the Council is also emphasising the need for risk assessments and risk management strategies for climate change and ecological changes
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While climate mitigation and adaptation measures are within the purview of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and contributions to such measures are outlined in the Paris Agreement, many Security Council members view climate change as a security threat worthy of the Council’s attention. Other members do not. One of the difficulties in considering whether or not the Council should play a role (and a theme of this report) is that there are different interpretations of what is appropriate for the Security Council to do in discharging its Charter-given mandate to maintain international peace and security.
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On Tuesday (23 February), there will be a high-level videoconference (VTC) open debate on climate and security. Prior to the meeting, naturalist David Attenborough will deliver a brief pre-recorded video message. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to preside, representing...
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In February, the UK plans to host a high-level open debate, “Addressing climate-related security risks to international peace and security through mitigation and resilience building”. The meeting is expected to consider conflict risks, peacebuilding approaches and ways to support adaptation and resilience in climate-vulnerable contexts. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to chair the meeting. Secretary-General António Guterres is an anticipated briefer. There may be other briefers as well.
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Tomorrow (17 September), Security Council members plan to hold a ministerial-level open debate in videoconference (VTC) format on the humanitarian effects of environmental degradation on peace and security. Kalla Ankourao, Niger’s Foreign Minister, is expected to chair the meeting. The...
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In September, Niger plans to hold a ministerial-level briefing on the humanitarian impact of environmental degradation on peace and security. The focus will be on the Sahel region, although participants are also encouraged to broaden the geographical scope of the discussion. Senior officials from the Secretariat of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the ICRC are expected to brief, as is a civil society representative. No formal outcome is anticipated at this time.
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Tomorrow morning (24 July) Security Council members will hold a ministerial-level open debate on “climate and security” in open videoconference format. A senior official from the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) is expected to brief. Colonel Mahamadou...
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Tomorrow (15 July) Council members will participate in an Arria-formula meeting entitled “the illegal exploitation of natural resources in the Great Lakes Region: how to translate the ongoing positive regional momentum into new options for conflict prevention, management and reform”....
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Germany plans to convene a ministerial-level open debate on climate and security in late July. A Council product is a potential outcome of the meeting. Given that the extraordinary and provisional measures implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic may still be in place, an open videoconference (VTC) may be held instead of an open debate, with statements by non-Council members submitted in writing.
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Tomorrow (22 April), an Arria-formula meeting will be held via VTC on “Climate and security risks: the latest data”. It is being co-organised by Belgium, France, the Dominican Republic, Estonia, Germany, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia, the United...
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On Monday (9 December), there will be an open Arria-formula meeting on the “Protection of the Environment during Armed Conflict” from 3-6 pm in the Trusteeship Council Chamber at UN headquarters, hosted by Estonia, Germany, Kuwait and Peru. Panelists are...
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Tomorrow (25 January), the Security Council will hold an open debate focused on addressing the impact of climate-related disasters on international peace and security. Miguel Vargas, the Foreign Minister of the Dominican Republic, is expected to chair the meeting. At...
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In January 2019, the Security Council will hold an open debate addressing the impacts of climate-related disasters on international peace and security. President Danilo Medina of the Dominican Republic is expected to chair the meeting, which will also include the participation of several member states at ministerial level.
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Tomorrow (7 November) at 3pm in the ECOSOC chamber, current Council member Kuwait will convene an Arria-formula meeting, co-sponsored with incoming member Germany, on the “Protection of the Environment during Armed Conflict.” Panelists are expected to include Satya Tripathi, head...
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Tomorrow afternoon (26 October), an Arria-formula meeting will be held on water, peace and security. The meeting is being co-hosted by Security Council members Bolivia, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Netherlands; incoming members Belgium, the Dominican Republic, Germany, and Indonesia; and...
