News in brief:
– FAO urges the UN Security Council to address the intertwined challenges of climate change and conflict, proposing five key actions to combat global food insecurity.
– Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol emphasises the disproportionate impact on farmers, highlighting the need for urgent action to build climate-resilient agrifood systems.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has proposed five key actions to the United Nations Security Council. The call for action comes amidst a backdrop of worsening global food insecurity, with farmers bearing the brunt of the impacts.
Speaking at the United Nations Security Council High-Level Open Debate, FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol emphasised the urgent need for action.
She highlighted how climate disasters and conflicts exacerbate inequalities, endanger livelihoods, and displace communities. Farmers, particularly those dependent on agriculture and natural resources, are disproportionately affected, facing increased temperatures, erratic precipitation, and more frequent extreme weather events.
FAO’s proposed actions
According to the 2023 Global Report on Food Crises, 258 million people across 58 countries face acute food insecurity due to climate and conflict, with farmers among the most affected. The situation threatens to undo progress in addressing hunger and poses a significant challenge to global stability.
Bechdol, in her address, outlined five critical actions to address the climate-conflict nexus:
- Invest in Climate-Resilient Agrifood Systems: Prioritise investments in building resilient agricultural systems, incorporating climate change adaptation and community-based approaches.
- Enhance Data and Reporting: Request regular analysis and reporting on climate-related risks from UN entities to facilitate targeted interventions.
- Improve Coordination: Strengthen strategic coordination and leverage existing mechanisms for climate security, such as the UN Climate Security Mechanism.
- Deploy Specialised Advisors: Source specialised climate, peace, and security advisors for UN missions, particularly in climate-vulnerable regions.
- Establish Regional Hubs: Create regional climate, peace, and security hubs to enhance cooperation and coordination, as exemplified by initiatives in the Horn of Africa.
