RISING sea level is a crisis that requires urgent management to prevent catastrophic impacts.
This was highlighted by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres while launching the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) Surging Seas in a Warming World report at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Tonga on Thursday.
The report highlights the severe impact of climate change and extreme weather on the region.
He said the report noted that sea surface temperatures have risen three times faster than the global average since 1980, leading to increased marine heat waves and coastal flooding.
“A worldwide catastrophe is putting this Pacific paradise in peril,” said Mr Guterres.
“Global average sea levels are rising at an unprecedented rate – the ocean is overflowing.
“The reason is clear: greenhouse gases – overwhelmingly generated by burning fossil fuels are cooking our planet and the sea is taking the heat – literally.”
He emphasised that at the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will take place in November this year, countries must increase financial support for vulnerable nations.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said early warning systems were crucial for informing evacuation plans, resource allocation and anticipatory action, but were only available in 1/3 of small island developing states.
The report also underscores the urgent need for global action to mitigate the effects of climate change.
