In his opening remarks delivered via video, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna emphasized that climate change is no longer merely an environmental issue but directly affects global security and human well‑being – from human rights and economic development to migration and societal stability.
“Rising sea levels, increasingly frequent extreme weather events, rapid environmental degradation, and the energy crisis are already affecting the lives and livelihoods of millions of people worldwide,” Tsahkna noted. According to him, addressing climate change requires greater attention to the protection of human rights and adherence to international law in order to prevent the deepening of global inequality and poverty.
The Foreign Minister also highlighted the need to hold accountable those who commit environmental crimes in armed conflicts, especially in Ukraine. “Russia’s brutal attacks have destroyed ecosystems, damaged energy infrastructure, and worsened air and water quality across the country,” he said. “The environmental damage caused by Russia may affect Ukraine for decades. Our task is to ensure that such crimes are not repeated. Therefore, climate policy must be inseparably linked to the principles of international law, justice, and accountability.”
The minister added that regional and global cooperation is key to mitigating the impacts of climate change, ensuring climate justice, and finding innovative and sustainable solutions. Like‑minded countries that respect a rules‑based international order – including the NB8 region – have an important leadership role to play.
Triinu Ossinovski, board member of NGO Mondo, likewise stressed that from the perspective of development cooperation and humanitarian aid, climate change is no longer treated as a separate environmental issue. “It is a cross‑cutting risk multiplier that exacerbates existing problems such as food insecurity, health risks, water scarcity, forced migration, poverty, and conflict,” she said.
“We must shift from crisis response toward prevention, adaptation, early‑warning systems, and strengthening long‑term resilience, because the crisis is already here and is significantly affecting tens of millions of people.”
The conference can be rewatched here.
