Let me thank the UAE and the briefers for setting the stage.
The latest IPCC report tells us that climate impacts are already more widespread, and severe, than expected. Our first line of defence to address climate-related security risks, is – and will remain –achieving the objectives and targets of the Paris Agreement. We must reduce our emissions- including halting deforestation.
But we are already at a point where we must adapt to a changing climate, including by building resilience.
Colleagues,
Three key policy sectors of: climate change adaptation, development, and peacebuilding are linked but have yet to work coherently together.
For this to happen, we need to systematically include climate-related factors into: political and risk analysis, early warning, and engagement in the field- in a manner that is conflict-sensitive. As we move the agenda forward, we must keep three aspects in mind:
First, that climate-resilient and sustainable livelihoods are often part of both adaptation and peacebuilding programs. Therefore, there must be holistic investment in both.
Second, climate change adaptation and improving natural resource management can also be used to proactively build peace. Such projects may boost communities’ coping capacities and resilience against climate shocks- while at the same time building relationships between conflicting groups, and fostering collaboration by addressing climate change as a common external threat.
Third, climate-related risks are inherently transnational. Peacebuilders should promote the use of existing regional mechanisms, and support local organizations’ efforts to deal with climate-related risks. Gender-transformative considerations, along with local participation, should also be mainstreamed throughout. We must invest in human resources as much as we invest in infrastructure and technology.
Colleagues,
Climate finance needs to be a driver for the global transition to low-emission and climate-resilient economies. Funding, technical support, and capacity building is required to strengthen resilience, and turn adaptation plans into actions, ensuring also that these actions complement and amplify peacebuilding activities.
Of equal importance is to address the barriers faced by fragile and conflict-affected countries, and to increase the flow, quality, predictability and accessibility of adaptation and resilience finance. Public finance actors, such as the Green Climate Fund, the Global Environment Facility, and the Adaptation Fund, can address drivers of conflict, reinforce peace dividends- and where possible- contribute to sustaining peace and stability.
To this end Norway will double our climate finance, and at least triple support to climate adaptation by 2026. Our global efforts, both now and in the long term, to address climate change, build peace, and achieve sustainable development are tied together, and must be addressed together. After all, the countries most vulnerable to climate change are also among the most fragile in terms of security.
It is vital that we approach this issue with the attention and urgency it deserves.
Thank you.