‘Rising sea levels cause the future to sink’

The following is the contents of the declaration:

• Science and data: Better observations, shared data, and stronger early warning systems
• Finance and resilience: More predictable and accessible funding, especially for small and less developed island states
• Livelihoods and culture: Protect the livelihoods and cultural heritage of coastal communities and involve communities in decisions that impact them
• International Law: A presumption that supports the continuation of statehood and the ability to defend the maritime zones established under the agreement United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea – despite the physical threat posed by rising sea levels.

Check out our live coverage of the meeting Here.

Sharing challenges and recommendations, Heads of State and ambassadors outlined ways their countries are adapting to rising sea levels, which pose a major threat to many small island developing states.

At the start of the high-level meeting, the U.N Secretary General Antonio Guterres warns that global sea levels will rise by almost six millimeters by 2024 – the largest annual increase ever recorded.

Although this increase is measured in millimeters, “it the price is measured in millions of lives destroyeduprooted communities, and stolen futures.”

Without drastic cuts in emissions, sea levels could rise by one meter by the end of the century. Now, about 770 million people live less than five meters above the high tide line.

Threats abound

Rising waters threaten housing, food systems, infrastructure and even the territorial integrity of some countries, he said.

However, those who contribute the least to climate change face the greatest dangerGuterres said, urging action on three fronts: reducing emissions, protecting communities and closing legal gaps.

To change course, he said global emissions must immediately peak and fall 60 percent by 2035, and adaptation funding should be tripled.

Wet feet at UN Headquarters

Khalilur Rahman, 81st Presidential Session of the General Assemblybringing that warning close to home.

In the In New York City, he said, sea levels are expected to rise by 1.3 meters by the end of the century. and even further if Antarctic ice melts rapidly.

That would be enough to turn Assembly Hall into a “huge wading pool,” he said.

Alarms throughout the island nation

Prime Minister Godwin Friday of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines said 85 percent of the country’s population and 90 percent of critical infrastructure are concentrated along a narrow coastal strip..

Investing in resilience now, he says, costs much less than paying for loss and damage later.

Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho of Cabo Verde, whose country facilitated negotiations on the declaration, said the consensus agreement showed that multilateralism was still working.

Sea level rise, he said, is “not a distant threat or theoretical worry” for his country.

For small island states, it is about preserving “historical and cultural identities deeply rooted in land and sea”, he said, adding that the declaration recognizes this as a matter of justice, human rights and peace.

Eyes fixed on the ocean

European Commissioner Costas Kadis pointed to the OceanEye International Alliance, launched by the European Commission – the EU’s executive branch – and Canada to strengthen ocean observations.

With 31 members, the alliance has secured a pledge of $250 million. Funding, said Kadis, must also be predictable, accessible and aligned with the needs of communities at risk.

The day-long meeting resulted in UN member states agreeing to return to the issue, and the declaration called for further high-level meetings before the end of the 84th session of the General Assembly.

See more UN News story about rising sea levels Here.