UN Secretary-General Urges Immediate Action on Climate Change Amid Rising Sea Levels

At a press conference, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgent need for global climate action, highlighting unprecedented sea level rise and the significant risks for Pacific Island nations. He called for updated climate action plans, emission reductions, and increased financial support for vulnerable countries.

In Nuku'alofa, Tonga, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a dire warning to world leaders, urging immediate and decisive action on climate change due to unprecedented sea level rise. According to the United Nations, global sea levels are now rising at rates unseen in 3,000 years, primarily driven by greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels.

Guterres referenced two critical UN reports that underscore the accelerating changes in our oceans, including more frequent marine heatwaves, record sea temperatures, and intensified coastal flooding. He stressed that Pacific Island nations, which have experienced sea level rises more than double the global average, are at grave risk and highlighted the broader implications for coastal areas worldwide.

Without substantial emission reductions, global sea levels could rise by at least 15 centimeters by mid-century, leading to frequent coastal flooding. A 2°C increase in global temperatures could result in the collapse of major ice sheets, raising sea levels by up to 20 meters over millennia. Guterres called for a 43% reduction in emissions by 2030, increased financial support for vulnerable countries, and the phasing out of fossil fuels. He also emphasized the need for innovative financing and establishing early warning systems for better coastal planning.

(With inputs from agencies.)