Representative of Greece says climate change is intensifying risks to civilians in conflict zones

At an open United Nations Security Council debate, the Representative of Greece said climate change is increasing the risks that civilians face in conflict zones and complicating the ability of United Nations peace operations to carry out protection mandates.

"Climate change, conflicts, and the protection of civilians are deeply interconnected," the Representative of Greece said, describing how climate impacts can trigger and prolong conflict, increase civilian vulnerability and strain the capacities of state security forces and other mandated actors, including UN peace operations.

The representative told the Council that climate-related impacts ‘‘continue to exacerbate the risk of conflict, trigger and prolong conflicts, as…