Manila: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has emphasized the need to incorporate climate resilience into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) security agenda, pointing out that climate change has emerged as a security threat that must not be overlooked.
According to Philippines News Agency, during a climate security forum organized by the Stratbase Group and the German Embassy, Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna highlighted that while nations historically understood security in terms of borders, armed conflict, and geopolitical competition, the evolving global landscape demands a broader understanding. Cuna underscored that environmental pressures affecting food, water, livelihoods, public health, migration, and economic opportunities pose challenges to human and economic security, and under certain conditions, become threats to peace and stability, characterizing climate change as a threat multiplier.
Cuna stressed that climate action should extend beyond disaster response to include planning for long-term risks. He advocated for a whole-of-society approach to climate action, emphasizing that environmental resilience is intrinsically linked to national security. He pointed out that communities require reliable resources and resilient infrastructure to endure shocks.
As the current ASEAN chair, the Philippines has the opportunity to spearhead efforts in mobilizing climate finance, technology, and partnerships while advancing the region's climate security agenda. Cuna urged for stronger integration of ASEAN's political security, economic, and sociocultural communities to ensure that climate resilience is not addressed in isolation.
Cuna also advocated for the responsible development of the country's mineral resources, highlighting the importance of strong environmental safeguards, transparency, and meaningful engagement with host communities. He emphasized that ASEAN member states need to coordinate closely to mobilize the necessary resources for climate resilience.
Special Envoy for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga reinforced the importance of viewing climate change as a 'convergent risk,' impacting environmental, economic, and geopolitical concerns. She noted that ASEAN already has mechanisms in place for disaster response and climate change but highlighted the need for more integrated efforts.
German Ambassador to the Philippines Andreas Pfaffernoschke called for stronger regional cooperation, urging ASEAN nations to enhance regional early warning systems and design climate adaptation projects with conflict prevention in mind. He emphasized the importance of international partnerships and the need for proactive measures to prevent climate vulnerability from escalating into a crisis.
ASEAN, consisting of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam, is encouraged to adopt a unified approach towards climate resilience to ensure regional peace and prosperity.
