Dutch FM calls for cooperation in handling climate change impacts on security

Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders urged countries to cooperate in dealing with the impacts of climate change on security during his opening speech at the first annual Planetary Security Conference in The Hague on Monday.

"I hope this conference is the start of something that happens more often and regularly," Koenders said. "Climate and peace are intimately linked. Climate change forms a grave threat to security, especially in countries that are already fragile. That's why nowadays diplomats also need to view their work through a climate lens."

Around 300 policy makers and experts from over 70 countries gathered at the Peace Palace to discuss the effects of climate change on international security. A large part of the two-day conference will be devoted to consultations in 12 working groups, focusing on the impact of climate change on food security, migration, Arctic security and sea level.

"We need to work together and help each other, because we face a massive challenge," Koenders added. "In today's world, changes to the climate and the environment are overwhelmingly man-made. And those changes continue to affect peace and security."

"Climate change will put pressure on the world's economic, social and political systems," he continued. "The most serious risks will emerge when the impacts of climate change overburden weak states."

By the end of this month the world will meet again in Paris at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 21), from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11, in which a new international agreement on climate change is set to be signed.

"One month before the world meets in Paris, we are reminding ourselves what is at stake," Koenders said. "We hope and trust we will reach an agreement that is ambitious and meets the world's expectations." Enditem