Defence Minister calls for national strategy to combat effects of climate change

Tunis: Although Tunisia's greenhouse gas emissions remain very low or practically non-existent, it is one of the Mediterranean countries most affected by the consequences of the greenhouse effect, said Minister of National Defence, Imed Memmich. He added that this situation calls for a comprehensive and urgent national strategy to combat the effects of greenhouse gases, the main consequence of climate change. This strategy should limit the impact of greenhouse gases on national security in its economic and social dimensions in the short, medium and long term, he stressed. To achieve this, «we need to build the capacity of all stakeholders and work towards food, water, energy and environmental security,» he pointed out. It is also necessary to strengthen scientific research, improve technological capacities and develop cooperation for the transfer of technologies related to climate change. The minister was speaking on Tuesday at the Bortal Hayder military base during the graduation ceremony of the 41st cl ass of the National Defence Institute, themed "A comprehensive national approach to combating the consequences of climate change on national security in its economic and social dimensions". He also noted that climate change is having a direct impact on developing countries, with worsening droughts, poorer harvests, increased risk of flooding, and increased migration and population displacement. The direct effects of climate change pose a real threat to the national security of the countries most exposed to these risks, the Minister said. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse