World leaders have unanimously endorsed the UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise during a high-level General Assembly meeting. This declaration serves as the first comprehensive UN framework addressing the legal, humanitarian, and developmental implications of rising sea levels, which threaten homes and livelihoods in coastal communities globally. The declaration emphasizes the need for enhanced international cooperation, expedited emissions reductions, increased funding for adaptation and resilience, and greater support for small island developing states and low-lying coastal nations.
Currently, nearly 900 million people reside in low-lying coastal areas, with projections indicating that over a billion could be at risk of coastal hazards by 2050. Recent data shows that global sea levels rose nearly six millimeters in 2024, marking the largest annual increase on record. Without significant reductions in emissions, average sea levels could rise by approximately one meter by the century’s end.
The UN International Law Commission has been examining the intersection of sea-level rise and international law since 2019, focusing on maritime law, statehood, and protection for affected individuals. Its findings suggest that states are not required to update maritime baselines despite changes in coastlines due to climate impacts, reinforcing the continuity of statehood and sovereignty.
Despite the progress made, the declaration does not address all legal complexities, such as issues related to relocation, nationality, compensation, and cross-border displacement. The International Law Commission has highlighted that individuals affected by sea-level rise continue to have protections under international human rights law, including rights related to self-determination and protection from displacement. The General Assembly plans to revisit these issues, shifting the focus towards implementation and the protection of communities facing territorial loss.
