Statement by H.E. Andrejs Pildegovičs, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Latvia
at the Open Debate of the Security Council on the theme
“Threats to international peace and security: climate change, peace and security”
13 June 2023, New York
Thank you, Madam President,
Excellencies,
At the outset, let me thank the United Arab Emirates for organizing this open debate and the briefers for their valuable presentations on the pressing challenges of climate change, peace and security. Latvia aligns with the statement delivered by the European Union.
The IPCC Synthesis Report published this March is stark in its assessment. I quote: “Climate change is a threat to human well-being and planetary health. There is a rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all.” With such an assessment, it is evident that climate change and its adverse impacts pose risks to peace and security. It is high time – as was on December 13, 2021 when a draft resolution on the matter was co-sponsored by 113 Member States and vetoed by one - for the Security Council to “be actively seized of this matter”.
Through their inherently destructive nature, wars and armed conflicts also put the opportunity to secure a sustainable future further out of reach. This is evident in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine that has killed tens of thousands, displaced millions, caused widespread environmental damage and created a toxic legacy. The destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam in the Kherson region of Ukraine by the Russian Federation is the most recent devastating example that has prompted not only another humanitarian crisis but also an environmental disaster of proportions that are only gradually being revealed. What is clear for all to see – nature, too, is a casualty of Russia’s war.
Mister President,
Indeed, climate change is the defining challenge of our time. To address it, we need collective action, and for all parts of the United Nations to join in.
We were therefore pleased to co-sponsor the General Assembly resolution requesting an Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on climate change. We are confident that the requested ICJ advisory opinion will bring greater legal clarity on the climate crisis.
We are equally confident that by integrating climate change considerations in conflict-prevention, conflict-resolution and peacebuilding efforts, the Security Council would be better attuned to a world in a climate crisis. Climate risks are highly context-specific. They vary from the existential threat that sea-level rise poses to the small island developing states to increased water and food insecurities created by extreme weather conditions. UN Missions mandated by the Security Council should have the capabilities to fully understand the context in which they operate, how to address the climate-related risks and contribute to building resilience. We commend the work already undertaken. We believe that more systematic integration of climate risk management and resilience strategies into conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts is needed.
Furthermore, systematically sharing findings, analysis and results with the UN Member States through briefings and a regular report by the Secretary-General would contribute to a fuller understanding of how climate change plays out. It could contribute to building our foresight and early warning capabilities.
Excellencies,
It is important to continue efforts towards greening the blue helmets. UN peacekeeping missions should implement sound environmental practices and solutions to reduce footprint of UN peacekeeping activities. Use of clean energy, reducing waste production and plastic use, enhancing environmental awareness are just a few examples. The Council can play instrumental role in this regard by factoring-in environmental aspects as part of the mandate renewal process of missions’ mandates.
Excellencies,
The best way to limit the risks climate change poses to international peace and security, is keeping the goal of 1.5°C alive. Latvia is determined to reach climate neutrality by 2050, and committed to the EU’s target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% until 2030. We look forward to COP28 in Dubai as a decisive moment for stepping up ambition, and encourage all to arrive prepared.
In conclusion, Mister President, let me express that Latvia will support future debates on climate, peace and security nexus if elected to the Security Council as a non-permanent member on June 2025.
Thank you!