North Korea: Kim Jong-un calls for urgent action on climate change as his country experiences food shortage

North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un has highlighted the danger of climate change while calling on his government officials to deal with food supply issues in the secretive state.

Weeks of drought followed by heavy monsoon rains have damaged crops this year in the country while last year Typhoons badly impacted vital crops.

Making a speech to the ruling party’s Politburo on Thursday, September 2, Kim said measures to overcome “abnormal climate” were needed, and ordered his officials to tackle drought and floods.

Kim had said that the “danger” of climate change had become “higher in recent years adding that “urgent action” needed to be taken.

“River improvement, afforestation for erosion control, dyke maintenance and tide embankment projects”, should be prioritised.

Apart from the damage caused by natural disasters, North Korea’s economy has been hit hard by international sanctions, as well as border closures and harsh lockdowns to prevent the spread of Covid.

Although North Korea has not reported any Covid cases, it has sealed its borders and imposed lockdowns.

“Tightening epidemic prevention is the task of paramount importance which must not be loosened even a moment under the present situation,” said Mr Kim, according to state media.

This announcement comes after the UN said North Korea had rejected an offer of almost three million Covid-19 jabs.

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