Global cooperation on natural resource management is essential for reducing the risk of environmental conflicts, says Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan
Shared Responsibility to Address Global Environmental Challenges
Effective management of natural resources across borders is crucial to prevent resource scarcity and reduce the risk of conflict between countries, according to a statement from Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and four of his ministerial counterparts from the Green Group. The group, which includes ministers from Slovenia, Cabo Verde, Costa Rica, and the UAE, made this call on the first day of the UN climate change conference (COP29).
The ministers emphasized that without coordinated global efforts, escalating resource scarcity and environmental degradation could fuel tensions, with water being a primary source of transboundary conflict. For example, in 2020, Mexican farmers took control of a dam to stop water from being diverted to the U.S., highlighting the challenges in managing shared resources.
Climate Change as a Global Security Issue
As the world faces growing climate pressures, the ministers stressed that climate change exacerbates resource scarcity, extreme weather, and the displacement of communities. This creates a breeding ground for conflict over essential resources like water, land, and food, ultimately deepening social inequalities. To address this, they underscored the need for collaborative global efforts.
Nature-based solutions, such as reforestation and mangrove planting, were also highlighted as ways to protect ecosystems and tackle social inequalities. These initiatives can be driven by local communities and provide economic opportunities, particularly for women and youth, who are disproportionately affected by environmental challenges.
The Role of Climate Finance in Global Cooperation
The ministers also called for greater climate finance, especially for developing countries. At COP29, discussions will focus on a global climate finance goal to channel resources from developed to less-developed countries. The ministers stressed that developed nations must lead these efforts, ensuring transparency and equity in the financial mechanisms.
Singapore’s commitment to climate finance was also underscored by Minister Grace Fu, who highlighted a blended finance initiative launched at COP28. The initiative aims to raise up to US$5 billion to de-risk green projects in Asia, with the Singapore government pledging up to US$500 million in concessional capital. This initiative is expected to accelerate funding for green projects, supporting Asia’s transition to a more sustainable future.
