NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres cautioned that the faster rise of sea levels is heightening dangers for hundreds of millions worldwide. His warning came during a high-level session of the UN General Assembly in New York. According to UN statistics, approximately 770 million people 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 annual rise in the satellite era and raising concerns for communities situated in low-lying areas.
Over the last thirty years, the pace of sea-level rise has become faster. The World Meteorological Organization documented an average yearly increase of 2.1 millimetres from 1993 to 2002. This rate doubled to 4.7 millimetres annually during 2015-2024. Data from the WMO also indicate that global mean sea levels reached a record high in 2024. Warmer ocean waters expand as temperatures increase, and melting glaciers along with ice sheets contribute additional water. These two processes are direct drivers of long-term sea-level growth.
Scientific forecasts indicate that sea-level rise will persist across all emissions scenarios evaluated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Under a very low emissions pathway, projections estimate an increase of 0.28 to 0.55 metres by 2100. Conversely, under a very high emissions scenario, the expected rise ranges from 0.63 to 1.01 metres. These estimates are based on the 1995-2014 average as the baseline. Guterres emphasized the need for more substantial emissions reductions and broader protection measures for communities vulnerable to coastal hazards.
Rising seas exert mounting pressure on coastal regions
The UN General Assembly session specifically focused on small island nations and low-lying coastal zones. Rising sea levels can lead to increased flooding, faster erosion, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources and farmland. Coastal infrastructure becomes more susceptible to damage as water levels rise, threatening homes, transportation networks, power supplies, and ports. The United Nations identified sea-level rise as a significant obstacle to development, food security, infrastructure stability, and economic activity in vulnerable regions.
During the meeting, governments approved a political declaration addressing the global impact of sea-level rise. The document highlights cooperation in science, resilience building, financing, and legal issues related to changing coastlines. It also advocates for improved early-warning systems and increased support for at-risk nations. Khalilur Rahman, the President of the General Assembly, pointed out the sharp increase in the annual rate of sea-level rise. This gathering forms part of broader UN initiatives aimed at tackling climate risks faced by countries with extensive coastlines and limited adaptation resources.
Scientific insights reveal a persistent long-term challenge
Guterres called on governments to cut greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing protections for populations already affected by rising seas. He emphasized the importance of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and building resilient infrastructure as key elements of the global climate strategy. Adaptation efforts include coastal defenses, better warning systems, and infrastructure designed to withstand higher water levels. The World Meteorological Organization states that ocean warming and land-ice melting continue to be primary factors driving sea-level increase. These processes impact both developed and developing economies with vulnerable coastlines.
According to the IPCC, global sea levels will keep rising over the coming centuries because oceans and ice sheets respond slowly to climate warming. The extent of future rises depends heavily on greenhouse gas emissions and the response of major ice masses. Current data already show a faster rate than during the early satellite record years. The UN gathering aimed to unify governments around scientific evidence, resilience efforts, and international cooperation. Its declaration underscores sea-level rise as a central issue in the ongoing climate discussion at the General Assembly.