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U.N. Warns of Consequences of Climate Change Inaction

The world is in for some serious turmoil and conflict if climate change is not addressed, according to Achim Steiner, the executive director of the U.N. Environment Program.

On Wednesday, Steiner told the U.N. Security Council that climate change could have far-reaching implications for global security and stability.

“There can be little doubt today that climate change has potentially far-reaching implications for global stability and security in economic, social, and environmental terms which will increasingly transcend the capacity of individual nation states to manage.” In other words, if we do not thoroughly and adequately address climate change, we will see some harrowing times.

With global population expected to hit 9 billion by 2050, finite resources like water will become increasingly contested. And as temperatures rise, there will be fewer available resources. It all adds up to drought, famine, and conflict.

Not to be a negative Nancy, but this is coming from the head of the U.N.’s environmental program. Do you think we should listen? Climate change must be addressed prudently and effectively so we can avoid the potential global tensions on the horizon.

– Mitchell Flexo

(via MSNBC)

Photo: An internally displaced Somali girl hauls a jerry-can of water in Galkayo, Somalia, Wednesday. (Thomas Mukoya / Reuters)

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