According to one estimate, sea levels have risen by about 20–23 cm (8–9 in) since 1880. The United Nations agency has expressed concern that the rate of sea level rise in the last 10 years has more than doubled from 1993 to 2002.
The General Assembly president warned that sea-level rise threatens the livelihoods and infrastructure of coastal communities and could displace up to 1.2 billion people.
He called on countries to work together to build resilience, advance development, ensure good coastal management and implement climate adaptation strategies.
“We must stop climate warming, which is causing sea level rise, and commit to limiting temperature rise to no more than 1.5 degrees.”
Actions, funds
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for strong action to reduce sea level rise, reduce emissions and save lives.
He stressed that by 2027, everyone, everywhere should be covered by early warning systems.
In parallel, countries need to make their climate action plans more ambitious, so as to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C. Dependence on fossil fuels should be gradually reduced.
Funding is needed, the UN chief said, and new sources must be found to channel funding at the annual climate conference, COP29, in Azerbaijan.
Secretary-General Guterres has appealed for contributions to a ‘damage and damage fund’ for countries burning in the heat of climate change. Rich countries must provide at least $40 billion for climate adaptation measures by 2025 and reform multilateral development banks to provide concessional aid to developing countries.
Risk for many countries
Sea level rise is the result of rising ocean temperatures and the melting of glaciers and frozen water. Climate change is believed to be directly responsible for this trend.
Even if global temperature increases were limited to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, sea levels on Earth would rise significantly. Sea level rise threatens the economy, culture, heritage and existence of small island developing states.
Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Feleti also expressed concern that many countries could lose land on their territory and it could become very difficult for them to live there.
Saltwater flooding can damage coastal areas, including coral reefs and habitats such as fish, agricultural land and infrastructure.
The Prime Minister also said that it would not be possible for his people to live on these islands, even though they had been their home for generations. According to him, many such countries are facing this harsh reality today and it is not something that will happen in the future.