On February 14, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) convened an open-debate to discuss the implications of sea-level rise for international peace and security. Prior to the debate, the Maltese President of the Council circulated a concept note which featured the climate vulnerability of small island developing states (SIDS), the necessity to bolster their resilience and to explore ways in which the UNSC can address these risks in the global security architecture.
Whereas climate change is acknowledged as a threat multiplier by the UNSC’s member states, it remains disputed whether climate security should become a fixed area of focus for the Council. Especially Russia, China and Brazil share concerns about the suitability of the Council as a forum to discuss climate change. However, the majority of member states stress the need for concerted action to address sea-level rise.
The geographic location of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) makes them highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Sea-level rise increases the risk of flooding, and extreme weather events such as tropical storms and changing precipitation patterns amplify the vulnerability of SIDS’s population. For example, Cyclone Pam hit Vanuatu and neighbouring islands in 2015 causing 24 casualties, it displaced 100.000 people and destroyed up to 70% of Vanuatu’s buildings.
During the open-debate, the Republic of Vanuatu circulated an ICJ Resolution that seeks an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). What began as a long-running campaign by university students of the Pacific, has now turned into a coalition of states pursuing climate justice. The resolution requested the ICJ to formulate an advisory opinion on the obligations of developed states under international law to safeguard the environment from anthropogenic climate change, for both present and future generations. In addition, the resolution asks for legal consequences under these obligations.
Although SIDS collectively contribute less than 1% to greenhouse gas emissions, they are more prone to experiencing the detrimental ramifications of a changing climate. While developed states are the greatest emitters of greenhouse gases, they fail to meet the obligation to pay their fair share. This is also illustrated by the fact that the commitment made by developed states during COP15 in 2009 to mobilise USD 100 billion per year by 2020 has not been met. While the Loss and Damage Fund was presented as a breakthrough during COP27, its success will depend on how quickly this fund is operationalised. Questions remain on how much money will be made available, by whom and who will be eligible to receive funds.
The ICJ Resolution legally pressures developed states by law to pay their fair share to advance climate justice. The resolution emphasises the ‘’urgency of scaling up action, including finance, to enhance adaptation to effectively respond to the adverse effects of climate change’’.
The vast majority of African states have pledged support. While European states acknowledge that sea-level rise poses serious risks and that climate change should be addressed, the majority (except Germany and Portugal) have not pledged their support for the ICJ Resolution. Furthermore, the states who are sceptical about the Council’s involvement in climate issues also remained silent. The Russian representative even stated that no scientifical evidence exists for the link between climate and security. For now, it seems as though the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases, notably China, US, India and Russia are not supporting the ICJ Resolution.
While climate security is increasingly recognised, further steps are needed for joint action to tackle security threats posed by climate change. The ICJ Resolution of the Republic of Vanuatu is one step in the right direction, and will be tabled during the 77th UN General Assembly.
For more information about the resolution, visit the website. More information about the UNSC open-debate on Sea-Level Rise and its implications for International Peace and Security can be found here.
PSI has previously published a policy brief on Small Island Developing States bringing climate security to the UN Security Council.
Author: Sarah Lokenberg, Planetary Security Initiative