Secretary-General Guterres warns of the severe threat rising sea levels pose to Pacific islands

In Tonga’s capital city, Nuku’alofa, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres raised concerns about escalating sea levels in the Pacific islands, labeling it as a climate SOS, urging to “save our seas.” The United Nations and the World Meteorological Organization recently released reports emphasizing the worsening sea level rise, accelerated by global warming and melting ice sheets and glaciers. The Southwestern Pacific faces not only rising oceans but also other climate-related challenges such as ocean acidification and marine heatwaves.

During a meeting at the Pacific Islands Forum, Guterres highlighted the urgent need for action to address the crisis of rising seas that is predominantly caused by human activities. He expressed the severity of the situation, indicating that the impacts will soon reach an unimaginable scale with no easy solutions to ensure safety.

Reports commissioned by Guterres’ office revealed alarming statistics, showing a significant increase in sea levels affecting nations like Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji. These rising seas pose a grave danger to Pacific Island countries, with approximately 90% of the region’s population residing within close proximity to the advancing oceans.

Climate scientists and experts reinforced the severity of the situation, emphasizing the rapid acceleration of sea level rise, especially in the Pacific, despite the region producing a minimal amount of greenhouse gases. The disproportionate impact on the Pacific islands is attributed to multiple factors such as melting ice sheets, warming oceans, and changing ocean currents.

Moreover, these rising seas pose a threat to coastal cities worldwide, with several metropolitan areas facing sea level rise rates significantly above the global average. Guterres urged wealthier nations to take decisive actions to reduce emissions, transition away from fossil fuels, and support vulnerable countries in adapting to the impacts of climate change.

As the world grapples with the escalating climate crisis, the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session will serve as a platform to address the pressing issues of rising seas and the urgent need for global cooperation to mitigate the impacts of climate change.