The United Nations General Assembly has adopted its first declaration on sea level rise, affirming that countries threatened by rising oceans do not automatically lose their statehood if their territory is submerged. The four-page text was adopted on 24 September at a high-level meeting alongside the 81st session in New York; it is the first time member states, including the United States, have agreed a common declaration on the issue.

The declaration also supports keeping established maritime zones stable as coastlines change, and calls for stronger early warning systems, coastal protection and adaptation finance. About 770 million people live less than five metres above the high-tide line.

A report presented by Secretary-General António Guterres said global mean sea level rose 5.9 millimetres in 2024 to a record high, mainly because of exceptional ocean warming, and the rate is expected to increase through 2050. Small island states such as Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands welcomed the agreement but said only stronger climate action can limit further rise.

Photo: Stefan Lins / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Source: Down To Earth