The ambitious theme of the Sixth Session of the UN Environmental Assembly (UNEA-6) centres around effective, inclusive and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle the interconnected planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, presenting a unique opportunity to comprehensively address the causes of these challenges. It is crucial that such efforts include effective policies and measures to deal with the environmental impacts of armed conflicts and military activities that significantly exacerbate the triple planetary crisis. Current conflicts and legacy impacts from past conflicts underscore the importance of addressing the environmental dimensions of war, and its effects on the health and livelihoods of current and future generations. From recognising conflicts’ contributions to pressing environmental challenges in UNEA-6 deliberations to setting up operational mechanisms to deal with them through UNEA-6 resolutions, Member States can forge a path toward tackling these challenges through a more coherent, efficient and implementable approach.
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