NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that the threat posed by the faster rise in sea levels is growing for hundreds of millions worldwide. His warning was issued during a high-level session at the UN General Assembly held in New York. According to UN statistics, approximately 770 million individuals reside less than five metres above the high-tide line. In 2024, the average global sea level rose by 5.9 millimetres, marking the highest annual increase observed in the satellite era and heightening concerns for communities in low-lying areas.
Over the past thirty years, sea levels have been rising at an accelerating rate. The World Meteorological Organization documented an average yearly increase of 2.1 millimetres between 1993 and 2002. This rate increased to 4.7 millimetres annually during 2015-2024. Data from the WMO also indicate that the global mean sea level reached a record high in 2024. The warming oceans expand as temperatures increase, while glaciers and ice sheets melt, contributing additional water. Both processes directly lead to the long-term rise in sea levels.
Scientific forecasts show that sea-level rise will persist across all emissions scenarios examined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Under a very low emissions pathway, the IPCC predicts an increase of 0.28 to 0.55 metres by 2100. Conversely, its very high emissions scenario estimates a rise of 0.63 to 1.01 metres. These projections reference the 1995-2014 average. Guterres called for enhanced emission reduction efforts and expanded protective measures for communities vulnerable to coastal hazards.
Growing sea levels intensify challenges for coastal populations
During the UN General Assembly discussion, special attention was given to small island nations and low-lying coastal regions. Rising water levels can lead to increased flooding, faster shoreline erosion, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater and agricultural land. Infrastructure along coasts, including homes, transportation networks, power facilities, and ports, becomes more susceptible to damage. The United Nations recognizes sea-level rise as a critical obstacle to development, food security, infrastructure stability, and economic growth in vulnerable zones.
Participants in the meeting approved a political declaration focused on addressing sea-level rise and its expanding global impact. This document highlights cooperation in science, resilience-building, financial aid, and legal issues linked to changing coastlines. It also urges the implementation of more effective early-warning systems and increased support for at-risk nations. The President of the General Assembly, Khalilur Rahman, pointed out the sharp rise in the annual rate of sea-level increase. The gathering is part of broader UN initiatives aimed at tackling climate-related risks that threaten countries with extensive coastlines and limited adaptive capacity.
Long-term climate science projections underscore ongoing challenges
Guterres appealed to governments to cut greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing protections for populations already impacted by rising seas. He emphasized the importance of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and resilient infrastructure as key components of climate action. Adaptation strategies include coastal defenses, improved early-warning systems, and infrastructure designed to withstand higher water levels. According to the World Meteorological Organization, ocean warming and land-ice melt continue to be primary drivers of sea-level rise. These phenomena affect communities across both developed and developing economies with vulnerable coastlines.
The IPCC states that global sea levels will continue to rise for centuries because of the slow response of oceans and ice sheets to warming. The extent of future increases depends on greenhouse gas emissions and how major ice sheets respond. Current observations already indicate a faster rise than during the initial years of satellite measurements. The UN meeting united governments around scientific evidence, resilience strategies, and international cooperation. Its declaration emphasizes sea-level rise as a central climate issue gaining ongoing attention at the General Assembly.