With global sea levels rising faster than at any time in the last 3,000 years, the UN General Assembly convened on Wednesday, Sep 25, for a high-level meeting to address the growing existential threat.
Over 100 speakers participated, including UN General Assembly President Philemon Yang and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who called for immediate action to curb global warming and support vulnerable communities.
President Yang highlighted alarming projections, stating that sea levels could rise by 20 centimetres between 2020 and 2050, with 1.2 billion people potentially displaced by 2050.
He stressed the need for global cooperation in climate adaptation, disaster resilience, and coastal management while urging countries to recommit to the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
UN Secretary-General Guterres emphasized that drastic measures must be taken to reduce emissions and protect lives. He called on the G20 nations, responsible for 80% of global emissions, to lead in adopting stronger climate action plans and transitioning away from fossil fuels. Guterres also called for substantial financial commitments at the upcoming COP29 climate conference in Azerbaijan and urged contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund to assist developing nations.
Former General Assembly President Dennis Francis commended the Member States for their decisive action and anticipated a bold declaration on sea level rise by 2026. Meanwhile, Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Feleti Teo painted a grim picture for small island nations, where rising seas threaten entire communities and cultures, warning of the growing impact of saltwater intrusion, storm surges, and reduced crop yields.
The European Union’s Climate Action Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra reiterated the EU’s commitment to climate neutrality by 2050 and pledged continued support to vulnerable nations. However, he stressed that mitigation alone would not be enough, urging stronger efforts to build resilience and address the impacts of climate change.
The meeting underscores the urgency of global cooperation as the world grapples with rising seas and the devastating impact on vulnerable coastal and island communities.