New York, 10 December 2021 (TDI): United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, António Guterres, mentioned in the Security Council on 9 December that terrorism is also a byproduct of climate change. He added environmental degradation enables armed groups to manipulate resources to their advantage.
Climate Change: Aggravating Factor for Terrorism
The Secretary-General mentioned that in Iraq and Syria there is a water shortage. The terrorist group, Daesh has exploited it. Moreover, they have taken control of water infrastructure. He also underlined the climate change in Somalia. He mentioned that charcoal production is a source of income for al-Shabab, which is a Somalia-based terrorist jihadist fundamentalist group.
António Guterres noted that climate change has a multiplier effect. It is an aggravating factor for instability along with conflict and terrorism. Furthermore, he urged the 15 council members to address these challenges. There is a need to address these challenges in an integrated manner. Consequently, it will create a “virtuous circle of peace, resilience and sustainable development”.
António Guterres also underlined the fact that the regions vulnerable to climate change are suffering from poverty, along with weak governance and the scourge of terrorism.
“Climate impacts compound conflicts and exacerbate fragility. When the loss of livelihoods leaves populations in despair, the promises of protection, income and justice – behind which terrorists sometimes hide their true designs – become more attractive”- António Guterres
“New Agenda of Peace”
António Guterres highlighted the importance of “New Agenda of Peace”, which is included in the landmark report our common agenda. It presents a multidimensional vision of global security.
The Secretary-General outlined five points where he believes the Security Council must take action.
1-Address the root causes of insecurity
According to the UN chief, terrorism does not take place in a vacuum. It is the result of “deep fracture”. For instance, poverty, along with human rights violations and poor governance, and climate change.
António Guterres mentioned there is a need to address inequality to build lasting peace. Moreover, he urged the council members to protect vulnerable communities and people. They need to support investment in human development. Furthermore, there is a need to promote inclusive governance. There must be participation of all communities.
2-Invest in climate adaptation
António Guterres reminded that developed countries need to invest in climate action. He cited the recent UNCOP26 Climate conference. The developed countries made a promise to provide at least 100 billion per year to developing countries for climate action. However, he noted that the costs of resilience will be increasing next decade. The financing mechanism must meet the growing needs. It must be accessible to the most affected populations.
3-Early-warning systems
The UN chief underscored that understanding the harmful effects of climate change strengthens efforts for peace. There is a need to anticipate the cascading effects of climate change. Consequently, it can bolster security along with peace.
António Guterres mentioned there is a need to build expertise in disaster risk reduction. Moreover, there is a need to ” integrate climate risk into all economic and financial decisions”
4-Development of partnerships
The UN chief urged counties to make the best use of on-the-ground expertise. There is a need of initiatives linking local, regional, and national approaches. There is a need for partnership in the “political, technical and financial capacities of regional and international actors”.
Guterres cited the example of “the Regional strategy for the stabilization, recovery, and resilience of the Boko Haram-affected areas of the Lake Chad basin region”. This is jointly developed by the African Union along with the Lake Chad Basin Commission, the United Nations, and other partners. Consequently, this strategy promoted humanitarian action along with security and development
5-Sustained investment
Finally, António Guterres stressed the Council to provide predictable funding “guaranteed by assessed contributions”.
He underlined the example of the African peace mission in Sahel and Somalia. They have limited room to maneuver. Moreover, they also face great funding uncertainties.
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