UN Secretary-General’s Special Report

Why in News?

Recent UN SG’s Special Report warns of accelerating sea‑level rise endangering coasts, islands, livelihoods, rights, and statehood.

Report

• Title – “Challenges related to sea-level rise and ways and approaches to address it”.
• Presented at – 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau.
• Key Findings
  • In 2024, the global sea level rose by 5.9 mm per year, representing the highest annual increase on record.
  • Approximately 770 million individuals, or about 10% of the global population, reside in coastal regions less than 5 meters above the high-tide line.
  • Without urgent adaptation measures, as many as 1.2 billion people may be displaced by 2050.
  • Current damage to coastal infrastructure exceeds $1.8 trillion.
  • By 2100, potential annual global losses could range from $1.2 trillion to $4 trillion in the absence of adequate adaptation.
• Causes of Sea Level Rise – Global warming is a primary driver.
  • Thermal expansion of seawater due to increased temperatures.
  • Melting of glaciers and polar ice sheets.
  • These processes collectively contribute to the rise in Global Mean Sea Level (GMSL).
• Impacts on the Indian Subcontinent
• Regions at Elevated Risk – Low-lying coastal and deltaic regions are especially susceptible to sea-level rise.
• In India, major urban centers at risk include:
  • Mumbai
  • Kolkata
• In Bangladesh, vulnerable areas include:
  • Dhaka
• Over 14 million individuals in these South Asian regions face imminent risk of displacement due to permanent inundation.
• Land Subsidence: A Critical Factor
• The combination of sea-level rise and land subsidence results in an increased relative sea-level rise.
• Land subsidence refers to the downward movement of land relative to sea level.
• This phenomenon can intensify the following impacts:
  • Coastal flooding
  • Permanent inundation
  • Displacement of populations
  • Saltwater intrusion
• Saltwater Intrusion – The encroachment of seawater into freshwater systems can adversely impact the following:
  • Drinking water supplies
  • Agricultural production and irrigation systems
  • Groundwater-dependent ecosystems
  • Soil quality and fertility
• Human Rights Implications – Sea-level rise poses significant threats to the following human rights:
  • Right to adequate housing.
  • Right to safe drinking water and sanitation.
  • Right to food and health.
  • Right to education.
  • Right to livelihood.
  • Right to culture and community identity.
• Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Indigenous Peoples, and low-lying coastal communities are particularly vulnerable to these threats.

Reference

Down to Earth | UN Special Report