Small Island States Face Existential Threat As Sea Level Rise: GA Chief

News Desk

United Nations: A staggering 900 million people living in low-lying coastal zones are at risk of losing their homes due to rising sea levels and other climate effects, and the issue extends far beyond coastal communities, warned UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis.

For many countries, especially the Small Island Developing States, the matter at hand represents an existential threat, President added.

Addressing the Climate Ambition Summit, President Dennis further said that no one is immune to a potential catastrophe; “fertile river deltas like the Mississippi, Mekong, and Nile – the world’s breadbaskets – are sinking”.

Francis mentioned that beyond the crushing impacts on livelihoods and communities of small island states, sea-level rise carries further implications, spanning environmental, legal, political, technical, economic, cultural and human rights dimensions.

“Not only do we risk losing land but also the rich cultural and historical heritage of these islands and regions that have helped to shape people’s identities,” added veteran diplomat.

Began day 3 of #UNGA by addressing a subject that holds profound significance for me: The Existential Threats Posed by Sea Level Rise.

Hailing from a small island state region, I am acutely aware of the challenges posed by climate change, particularly on those most vulnerable. pic.twitter.com/u39vpciMbr

— UN GA President (@UN_PGA) September 21, 2023

With the climate crisis unfolding rapidly, the need for more inclusive and innovative approaches to slowing climate change, including rising seas, has been resonating throughout High-Level Week, in particular at the Climate Ambition Summit.

The UN body assessing the science related to climate change estimates that under current conditions, the global mean sea level is likely to rise between eight and 29 cm by 2030, with equatorial regions suffering the most.

The rise is mainly driven by thermal expansion, aggravated by the melting of mountain glaciers and the ice cap, with a further rise anticipated of up to 70 cm by 2070. Extreme sea level events, which used to occur once every century, could become an annual phenomenon by the close of this century.

Francis called on leaders to raise their ‘collective ambition’ and take much-needed action, and move it up the agenda at the forthcoming COP28 convening on November 30 and the SIDS (Small Island Developing States) Conference planned for 2024. Agencies