Rising sea levels are an urgent crisis that demands immediate attention to avoid catastrophic consequences. This was emphasized by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres during the launch of the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) report, “Surging Seas in a Warming World,” at the Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga.
The report details the severe effects of climate change and extreme weather events on the region. Guterres pointed out that since 1980, sea surface temperatures in the Pacific have increased at a rate three times higher than the global average, resulting in more frequent marine heatwaves and coastal flooding. “A worldwide catastrophe is putting this Pacific paradise in peril,” he stated.
He further remarked that global sea levels are rising at an unprecedented pace, attributing it to greenhouse gas emissions primarily caused by fossil fuel combustion, which he described as “cooking our planet” while the oceans absorb the heat.
Guterres called for countries to enhance financial support for vulnerable nations at the upcoming 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in November.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo highlighted the importance of early warning systems, which are essential for managing evacuation procedures, allocating resources, and taking preventative actions. Unfortunately, such systems are currently available in only one-third of small island developing states.
The report stresses the critical need for global efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change.