Maldives has affirmed that the first line of defence in terms of climate change must be to ensure that developing countries have the support they need to adapt to the effects of climate change.
Ambassador/ Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations Ali Naseer Mohamed made the statement while speaking at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Arria meeting on preparing for security implications of rising temperatures.
Maldives co-organised the UNSC Arria meeting with Italy, France, Germany, Japan, Morocco, Netherlands, Peru, Sweden and United Kingdom. Speaking at the meeting Ambassador Ali Naseer stated that the security implications of raising temperatures are not isolated to Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) adding that, from fires to famine to flooding, every continent of the earth is feeling these impacts.
Furthermore, the Ambassador noted the importance of ensuring that developing countries are established with the support they need to tackle impacts of climate change.
Stating that it is impossible to ignore the hurricanes Irma, Jose and Maria which reset the world's expectations of what life on warmer planet is like, the ambassador expressed that this year, may one day, be viewed as a pivotal moment in humanity's effort to address climate change. In addition, Ambassador Naseer asserted that the loudest wakeup call the world is to receive, has not yet been received.