Climate change is increasingly recognized as a “threat multiplier” by scientists, political representatives, and civil society across the world. The United Nations Security Council first examined the linkages between climate change and security in 2007 followed by an open debate on the topic in 2011. Their latest discussion on the subject was an open debate in January 2019 when they examined the concrete impact of climate change on peace and security, and focus on tangible ways to diminish the effects of global warming.

Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna has said “Whether the issue is desertification in parts of Africa, forced migration of vulnerable people in Central America, conflict over water scarcity, or rising sea levels and tropical storms for small island states, the security aspects of climate change are pressing and multifaceted.”

During March and April the United Nations Association Coventry Branch organised meetings between students taking part in the Student Strike for Climate and city councillors. As a result the branch has re-launched Coventry Climate Action Network and created a website (CovCAN.uk) that will support its activities.

It is hoped that this will be a small step towards making the world a more peaceful place.

They will hold their first meeting on 7 June 2019. More information here.