Germany takes up seat in UN Security Council, aims to put climate into focus
Clean Energy Wire
Germany has assumed a two-year seat as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the sixth time since the international peace and security organ was formed following World War II. The German government has said it plans to use its diplomatic clout to ensure that climate change concerns are an integral part of UN security policy. The country is “well prepared” to take on the challenges, as “expectations of us have never been greater”, said foreign minister Heiko Maas in a statement on 1 January. He added that the UNSC “must address the fact that climate change can become a security problem in many places around the world”.
Only a couple of hours to go & all set for #GERinUNSC Germany UN !!! To be on the safe side, we have reserved our seat emoji #strongerUNited pic.twitter.com/GSqQE87xNj
— German Mission to UN (@GermanyUN) December 31, 2018
People who are most vulnerable to global warming, such those in Pacific Island states, are counting on Germany, with its long history of environmental advocacy, to put the issue back on the agenda in 2019/20. The German government expects this won’t be easy, after the recent shift in climate policy by some permanent Security Council members, like the US.
