Climate change 'war without gunfire', president tells UN Security Council

The devastating impacts of climate change are sparking conflicts and geopolitical instability, which directly affects peace, security and development in several areas around the world, he warned.

"It is a war without gunfire, yet causes damage to the economy and lives no less than an actual war and conflict," he said at the high-level open debate in New York.

The U.N. Security Council needs to build evaluation and climate security warning systems so that threats could be identified early on and become the basis for policymaking on a global level, he said.

He proposed the creation of comprehensive databases on the impacts of rising sea levels.

People's welfare needs to be the priority, especially of those living in vulnerable communities, he said.

He called for fostering international cooperation and maintaining commitments made under the Paris Agreement and other international treaties.

Pointing out Vietnam is among the countries most affected by climate change, he underlined its commitment to fight it and develop a sustainable, green economy with low carbon emissions.

Numerous studies and surveys in recent years have shown Vietnam is among the economies most impacted by climate change.

According to the Global Climate Risk Index, it was the 13th most affected by extreme weather events between 2000 and 2019.

As sea levels rise, parts of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's economic hub, and the Mekong Delta could be under water if climate change effects are left unchecked, environmental studies have warned.