US-SL forge cooperation on environmental security

The United States and Sri Lanka called on Monday for cooperation on environmental security, saying that all countries, big and small, are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation.  
Speaking at the 12th annual Indo-Pacific Environmental Security Forum (IPESF), hosted by the Sri Lanka Navy, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said that the United States’ vision of the world is one where “all countries, big and small, have opportunities for success and stability.”  

“Whether you’re sitting in Fiji or Australia or Mongolia or Sri Lanka, we are all vulnerable,” Chung said. “We are seeing this year record-setting weather extremes hitting countries around the world, where everyone is feeling that impact. Recent droughts here in Sri Lanka are impacting food security.”  

Chung said that it is “imperative that we come together to share knowledge and find creative ways to address these common challenges.”  

The IPESF, which was attended by representatives from 28 countries, focused on the theme of “Environmental Resilience through Cooperation.”   

Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, said that “no matter the advances we make and achieve through technology and innovation, it’s more than evident that nature is always ahead with her unique surprises, and man needs to be more circumspect.”  

Perera said that humans need to “pursue a path of rationale behaviour forging a relationship that would ensure the sustainment of our civilization and the environment alike.”  

The IPESF is a forum for dialogue and collaboration on environmental security issues. It is seen as an important platform for the United States and Sri Lanka to work together to address the common challenges of climate change and environmental degradation.