NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stark warning that the accelerating rise in sea levels poses growing dangers to coastal populations and economies across the globe. Speaking at a high-level session of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 24, Guterres emphasized that roughly 770 million individuals live less than five metres above the high-tide line. In 2024, the global average sea level increased by 5.9 millimetres, marking the largest yearly jump ever recorded. The session centered on the threats confronting low-lying nations, urban coastal zones, and vulnerable communities.
The World Meteorological Organization has documented a notable acceleration in worldwide sea-level rise during the satellite era. The annual increase went up from 2.1 millimetres in 1993-2002 to 4.7 millimetres in 2015-2024. According to WMO data, 2024 recorded the highest global mean sea level within the satellite record. The warming of oceans leads to seawater expansion, while melting glaciers and ice sheets contribute additional water to the oceans. These processes heighten risks such as coastal flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources.
Based on projections from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, sea-level rise is expected to increase under every emissions scenario assessed for this century. Under a very low emissions pathway, the global mean sea level could rise between 0.28 and 0.55 metres by 2100. Conversely, under a very high emissions trajectory, the estimated range extends from 0.63 to 1.01 metres. These forecasts are based on the 1995-2014 average as the baseline. Guterres called on governments to cut emissions while enhancing efforts to safeguard communities from climate change impacts.
Global acceleration in sea-level rise
During the September 24 gathering, the General Assembly unanimously approved a political declaration addressing sea-level rise. This document covers scientific understanding, financing, resilience, international cooperation, and legal issues tied to rising seas. It advocates for improved early-warning systems and more predictable funding for nations at risk. General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman pointed out the increasing rate of sea-level rise on a global scale and highlighted that over 80% of merchandise trade transits through ports, emphasizing the link between coastal risks and international supply chains.
Special attention was given to small island developing states and low-lying coastal regions, which are especially vulnerable. Rising seas threaten homes, roads, electrical infrastructure, farmland, and freshwater supplies, while also placing stress on coastal ecosystems. The declaration also underlines the risks to livelihoods, cultural heritage, and communities repeatedly impacted by coastal flooding. Discussions included the importance of international cooperation as countries navigate the physical and legal repercussions of changing coastlines. This meeting followed a 2024 decision by the General Assembly to intensify global efforts to address sea-level rise.
UN emphasizes resilience and climate mitigation in new declaration
Guterres appealed for immediate action in three key areas: reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening community protections, and closing legal gaps caused by sea-level rise. He called for an accelerated shift to renewable energy sources and more robust energy-efficiency initiatives as part of worldwide emission reduction strategies. Adaptation strategies discussed include developing resilient infrastructure, deploying effective early warning systems, and supporting communities exposed to increasing coastal threats. The United Nations recognizes sea-level rise as a significant challenge affecting development, food security, and economic stability. Coastal impacts can also disrupt transportation networks and international trade routes.
Scientific evaluations indicate that sea levels are likely to continue rising throughout the 21st century as ocean temperatures increase and land-based ice melts. The IPCC states that sea-level rise will persist for centuries to millennia because oceans and ice sheets react slowly to warming. The WMO also warned that the effects of ocean warming and sea-level increase will last for hundreds of years. The new UN declaration offers a unified framework addressing resilience, finance, science, and international legal issues. Its adoption elevates sea-level rise as a central concern during the General Assembly’s high-level discussions scheduled for 2026.