NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a warning that the speed of sea-level rise is heightening risks for hundreds of millions worldwide. This warning was delivered during a high-level session at the UN General Assembly in New York. According to UN data, nearly 770 million individuals live less than five metres above the high-tide line. In 2024, the average global sea level increased by 5.9 millimetres, marking the largest annual rise observed in the satellite era and raising concerns for vulnerable low-lying areas.
Sea levels have been increasing at an accelerating rate over the past thirty years. The World Meteorological Organization documented an average annual growth of 2.1 millimetres from 1993 to 2002. This rate escalated to 4.7 millimetres per year during 2015-2024. Their data also indicates that the global mean sea level hit a record high in 2024. Rising ocean temperatures cause thermal expansion, while melting glaciers and ice sheets contribute additional water, both of which drive long-term sea-level increase.
Projections from scientific models suggest that sea-level rise will persist across all emission scenarios evaluated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The IPCC anticipates a rise of 0.28 to 0.55 metres by 2100 in a very low emissions pathway, while a very high emissions scenario projects an increase of 0.63 to 1.01 metres. These estimates are based on the 1995-2014 average as the baseline. Guterres emphasized the need for stronger emission reductions and expanded protections for communities vulnerable to coastal hazards.
Rising seas intensify pressures on coastal populations
The UN General Assembly focused heavily on small island nations and regions with low-lying coasts. Increasing sea levels can cause more frequent flooding, accelerate shoreline erosion, and lead to saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources and agricultural land. Additionally, infrastructure such as homes, transportation networks, energy facilities, and ports face heightened threats from coastal flooding. The United Nations identified sea-level rise as a significant obstacle to development, food security, infrastructure stability, and economic growth in at-risk regions.
During the meeting, governments approved a political declaration that addresses the international implications of sea-level rise. This document discusses scientific collaboration, resilience strategies, financial support, and legal issues related to shifting coastlines. It also advocates for enhanced early-warning systems and increased assistance to vulnerable nations. Khalilur Rahman, President of the General Assembly, highlighted the sharp increase in the annual rate of sea-level rise. The gathering is part of broader UN efforts to confront climate-related risks affecting nations with extensive coastlines and limited resources for adaptation.
Scientific insights underline a persistent long-term threat
Guterres urged governments to cut greenhouse gas emissions while also strengthening protections for communities already impacted by rising seas. He emphasized the importance of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and resilient infrastructure as integral parts of the climate strategy. Adaptation measures include coastal defenses, improved warning systems, and infrastructure designed to withstand higher water levels. According to the World Meteorological Organization, ocean warming and land-ice loss remain primary drivers of sea-level increase, affecting both developed and developing nations with vulnerable coastlines.
The IPCC forecasts that global sea levels will continue to rise over the coming centuries due to slow responses from oceans and ice sheets to warming. The extent of future increases depends heavily on greenhouse gas emission levels and ice sheet responses. Already, observations show a faster rate of rise than during the early satellite record. The UN gathering unified governments around scientific evidence, resilience efforts, and international cooperation. Its declaration places sea-level rise among the most critical climate issues receiving sustained attention at the General Assembly.