As the United Nations Security Council convened a debate today on Climate Change and its impact on food security, Guyana expressed concern over the increase in occurrences of extreme climate events and the challenges that they pose, not only to food security, but also to conflict and displacement of citizens in various parts of the world.

President Irfaan Ali flew out to the UN headquarters in New York to chair the special debate.

Addressing the media at the United Nations Headquarters today, Foreign Minister Hugh Todd, said Guyana’s concerns are based on the premise that climate change can also aggravate existing threats to international peace and security

“There is increasing evidence of the inter-relationship between climate change, food insecurity and conflict, with each directly and indirectly the other.  The science is compelling and we are of the strong view that this issue requires systematic and strategic approach by the council,” the Foreign Minister noted.

Mr. Todd said as temperatures continue to rise, increasing unpredictable rainfall patterns, severe droughts, floods, sea level rise and change in Agricultural patterns the livelihoods of millions are disrupted which in turn drive migration. 

To this end, he said urgent attention must be taken to ensure that vulnerable countries are not badly affected by climate change. 

“Food and water insecurity, as well as hunger are among the primary pathways through which the effects of climate change on peace and stability and the enjoyment of human rights manifest. Just as with land-based agriculture, blue food insecurity contributes to a number of today’s security challenges. Conflicts can in turn exacerbate food crisis and environmental degradation, creating a vicious cycle,” Mr. Todd noted.

Todd said Guyana is particularly concerned about the climate events which are severely impacting access to vital resources such as water and agricultural lands.

Climate Change has been recognized as a “threat multiplier” by scientists, political representatives, and civil society across the world. The UN sees the relationship between climate-related risks and conflict as a complex one.

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