NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres cautioned that the speed of sea-level rise is heightening risks for hundreds of millions worldwide. His warning was delivered during a high-level session of the UN General Assembly in New York. According to UN statistics, approximately 770 million individuals reside less than five metres above the high-tide boundary. In 2024, the global average sea level increased by 5.9 millimetres. This represented the largest yearly increase during the satellite era, raising concerns for communities situated in low-lying areas.
Sea levels have been climbing at an accelerating rate over the past thirty years. The World Meteorological Organization recorded a yearly average increase of 2.1 millimetres between 1993 and 2002. During 2015-2024, this rate increased to 4.7 millimetres annually. WMO data also indicate that 2024 marked a record high for the global mean sea level. Warmer oceans expand as temperatures rise, and melting glaciers along with ice sheets add additional water. Both processes directly contribute to the long-term rise of sea levels.
Scientific models project that sea-level rise will persist under every emissions scenario evaluated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The IPCC estimates an increase of 0.28 to 0.55 metres by 2100 in a very low emissions scenario. Its very high emissions scenario forecasts an increase between 0.63 and 1.01 metres. These projections are based on the 1995-2014 average as the reference period. Guterres emphasized the need for more substantial emissions reductions and broader protections for communities vulnerable to coastal hazards.
Growing sea levels intensify challenges for coastal populations
The UN General Assembly gathering especially highlighted the risks faced by small island states and low-lying coastal zones. Rising seas can lead to increased flooding, faster erosion, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources and agricultural land. Infrastructure along coastlines is becoming more vulnerable as water levels rise. Homes, transportation networks, power systems, and ports are all at risk of disruption from coastal hazards. The United Nations has identified sea-level rise as a significant obstacle to development, food security, infrastructure, and economic activity in exposed regions.
During the meeting, governments approved a political declaration focused on addressing sea-level rise and its increasing global effects. The document discusses international scientific collaboration, resilience strategies, funding, and legal issues related to changing coastlines. It also advocates for enhanced early-warning systems and increased assistance for vulnerable nations. Khalilur Rahman, President of the General Assembly, highlighted the rapid escalation in the annual rate of sea-level increase. This gathering is part of broader UN initiatives to confront climate risks impacting nations with extensive coastlines and limited adaptation capacities.
Climate science underscores a persistent long-term challenge
Guterres urged world leaders to cut greenhouse gas emissions while expanding protections for populations already affected by rising seas. He emphasized the importance of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and resilient infrastructure within the broader climate action framework. Adaptation strategies include coastal defenses, improved warning systems, and infrastructure designed to handle higher water levels. The World Meteorological Organization states that ocean warming and land-ice melting remain primary drivers of sea-level rise. These processes impact communities across both developed and developing economies with vulnerable coastlines.
The IPCC predicts that global sea levels will continue to climb over centuries because oceans and ice sheets respond slowly to warming. The extent of future increases depends on greenhouse gas emissions and the response of major ice sheets. Current observations already show a faster rate than during the early satellite record years. The UN meeting brought nations together based on scientific evidence, resilience efforts, and international cooperation. Its declaration places sea-level rise among the key climate issues receiving ongoing attention at the General Assembly.