UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched a “global SOS” on rising sea levels in the Pacific at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) summit, highlighting a crisis that threatens the survival of low-lying island nations. The Pacific islands, which contribute minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, are facing severe impacts from climate change, particularly through rising sea levels that have increased at a rate faster than the global average. A new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) revealed that sea levels have risen by an average of 9.4 cm globally over the past thirty years, with certain areas in the Pacific experiencing increases of up to 15 cm. Guterres emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “I am in Tonga to issue a global SOS - Save our Seas - on rising sea levels.”
The report indicates that while some islands such as Kiribati and the Cook Islands experience sea level changes at or below the global average, others like Samoa and Fiji are seeing increases three times greater. Tuvalu is particularly at risk, with projections suggesting it could be completely submerged within the next 30 years. Tuvaluan Climate Minister Maina Talia expressed the dire circumstances, stating, “For low-lying island states, it’s a question of survival.” He called on major polluting nations to take responsibility for the escalating costs of climate change, adhering to the “polluter pays” principle.
The majority of South Pacific residents live within five kilometers of the coast, making them particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels, which threaten not only their living spaces but also essential resources like water and food. The situation is exacerbated by higher water temperatures leading to more severe natural disasters and ocean acidification disrupting marine ecosystems. As highlighted by climate experts, the Pacific nations are on the frontline of climate change impacts, and urgent action is needed to mitigate these threats.
