Brazilian Environment and Climate Change Minister Marina Silva warned on Monday that the world now faces mounting threats from both geopolitical instability and the accelerating climate crisis, and the worsening climate crisis is more challenging, pointing to recent deadly extreme weather events in the United States as a stark example.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Silva said: "The geopolitical context is challenging, and the worsening climate crisis is even more challenging because we are witnessing what has happened in the United States, an extreme weather event that has already claimed dozens of innocent lives."
The catastrophic flash flooding in Texas has claimed at least 104 lives, with dozens still missing as of Monday, according to local authorities.
The two-day BRICS Summit, held under the theme of "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance" from Sunday to Monday, brought together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, as well as newly-admitted members. During Sunday's plenary session, attendees adopted the Rio de Janeiro Declaration.
worsening climate crisis more challenging than geopolitical instability: Brazilian official
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
