Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Security Council VTC Open Debate on “Addressing climate-related risks to international peace and security”
2021/2/23
Mr. President,
I welcome this open debate on climate and security chaired by H.E. Mr. Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, as a significant headway towards COP 26. I thank the Secretary-General for his remarks.
Mr. President,
Let me begin by sharing Japan’s view on the linkage between climate change and conflict.
Climate change has serious impact, albeit indirectly, on peace and security. Climate-related natural disasters and environmental degradation are the multiplier of existing risks that exacerbate fragility leading to conflict.
In Japan’s view, however, it is crucial to look at climate change and fragility through a human security lens. We must focus on people when analyzing the impact of climate change on conflicts by paying close attention to the burden imposed on all segments of society including women, youth and marginalized people. In short, our response must be people-centred, context specific and comprehensive.
Adverse effects of climate change, ranging from heat waves and droughts to torrential rain and sea level rise are hitting severely the people in the Sahel and posing existential threat to the small island development states (SIDS). Faced with these and other serious consequences, ambitious measures for global de-carbonization are required. Japan aims to realize Net Zero by 2050. We will announce an ambitious 2030 target by COP26.
In the context of peace and security, however, immediate actions required are those related to adaptation and institution building.
First, on adaptation. To cope with climate-related disasters, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction serves as the most effective instrument to build communities’ resilience. Japan has been supporting the efforts by the SIDS through Japan-CARICOM framework and Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM). The 9th PALM is to be held this year.
Furthermore, to cope with climate-related land degradation in Africa, Japan has been supporting the efforts of African countries to strengthen climate resilience through the TICAD process. Under the “African Initiative for Combating Desertification to Strengthen Resilience to Climate Change in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa”, launched at TICAD VI held in Nairobi in 2016, Japan supports projects for sustainable forest management, integrated water resource management as well as measures to fight desertification and enhance agricultural productivity.
On climate finance, Japan has allocated about 50% of its climate-related bilateral grant assistance to adaptation. Japan’s commitment to provide public and private climate finance to developing countries amounting to 1.3 trillion Japanese yen (approximately USD 11.8 billion) in 2020 is envisaged to be fulfilled.
Second, on institution building. Where the national and local institutions are too weak to protect civilian populations, environmental degradation could become drivers of instability. Institutions and systems to deliver assistance and services to those in need would in turn strengthen people’s trust towards the government and contribute to sustaining peace.
The African continent bears severe impacts of climate change and not always well prepared to manage and respond to climate-related risks to international peace and security. Japan will continue supporting the efforts of African countries for institution building under the “New Approach for Peace and Stability in Africa (NAPSA)”, launched at TICAD 7 in 2019.
To conclude, I wish to emphasize that the United Nations must play a leading role in furthering international cooperation for robust action against all aspects of climate-related risks. Japan will be an active partner in this endeavor.
Thank you.
I welcome this open debate on climate and security chaired by H.E. Mr. Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, as a significant headway towards COP 26. I thank the Secretary-General for his remarks.
Mr. President,
Let me begin by sharing Japan’s view on the linkage between climate change and conflict.
Climate change has serious impact, albeit indirectly, on peace and security. Climate-related natural disasters and environmental degradation are the multiplier of existing risks that exacerbate fragility leading to conflict.
In Japan’s view, however, it is crucial to look at climate change and fragility through a human security lens. We must focus on people when analyzing the impact of climate change on conflicts by paying close attention to the burden imposed on all segments of society including women, youth and marginalized people. In short, our response must be people-centred, context specific and comprehensive.
Adverse effects of climate change, ranging from heat waves and droughts to torrential rain and sea level rise are hitting severely the people in the Sahel and posing existential threat to the small island development states (SIDS). Faced with these and other serious consequences, ambitious measures for global de-carbonization are required. Japan aims to realize Net Zero by 2050. We will announce an ambitious 2030 target by COP26.
In the context of peace and security, however, immediate actions required are those related to adaptation and institution building.
First, on adaptation. To cope with climate-related disasters, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction serves as the most effective instrument to build communities’ resilience. Japan has been supporting the efforts by the SIDS through Japan-CARICOM framework and Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM). The 9th PALM is to be held this year.
Furthermore, to cope with climate-related land degradation in Africa, Japan has been supporting the efforts of African countries to strengthen climate resilience through the TICAD process. Under the “African Initiative for Combating Desertification to Strengthen Resilience to Climate Change in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa”, launched at TICAD VI held in Nairobi in 2016, Japan supports projects for sustainable forest management, integrated water resource management as well as measures to fight desertification and enhance agricultural productivity.
On climate finance, Japan has allocated about 50% of its climate-related bilateral grant assistance to adaptation. Japan’s commitment to provide public and private climate finance to developing countries amounting to 1.3 trillion Japanese yen (approximately USD 11.8 billion) in 2020 is envisaged to be fulfilled.
Second, on institution building. Where the national and local institutions are too weak to protect civilian populations, environmental degradation could become drivers of instability. Institutions and systems to deliver assistance and services to those in need would in turn strengthen people’s trust towards the government and contribute to sustaining peace.
The African continent bears severe impacts of climate change and not always well prepared to manage and respond to climate-related risks to international peace and security. Japan will continue supporting the efforts of African countries for institution building under the “New Approach for Peace and Stability in Africa (NAPSA)”, launched at TICAD 7 in 2019.
To conclude, I wish to emphasize that the United Nations must play a leading role in furthering international cooperation for robust action against all aspects of climate-related risks. Japan will be an active partner in this endeavor.
Thank you.