Berlin Climate Conference: Switzerland warns consequences of climate change are growing threat to peace and security
Bern, 11.10.2022 - The consequences of climate change may exacerbate existing political, social, economic and environmental tensions, increasing the risk of conflict and turmoil. The Berlin Climate and Security Conference asks what can be done to mitigate these risks. Patricia Danzi, who is representing Switzerland at the conference as State Secretary, said that 'climate and security' will be one of Switzerland's four thematic priorities during its seat on the UN Security Council.
Droughts, flooding, rising sea levels and other consequences of climate change are posing a growing threat to peace and international security as they undermine people's livelihoods, displace communities and increase competition for natural resources. A threat multiplier, climate change disproportionately affects the most vulnerable.
"When climate change intersects with social, political and economic tensions and preexisting vulnerabilities, it doesn't only threaten the safety and security of the affected communities," said Patricia Danzi, Director of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), part of the FDFA, at the conference in Berlin. As head of the Swiss delegation, she assured the conference that 'climate and security' would be one of four thematic priorities for Switzerland during its term on the UN Security Council in 2023 and 2024, which showed the importance Switzerland attaches to addressing the impacts of climate change.
On the UN Security Council, Switzerland will work to address the consequences of climate change on global security, and especially human security. Switzerland's efforts will both leverage existing Swiss expertise in regard to the protection of civilians, food security and sustainable peace and employ synergies among its other Security Council priorities and within International Geneva.
Switzerland is also working through its international cooperation to strengthen communities' resilience to climate risks, particularly in fragile contexts.
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