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UNSC session on sea level rise
UNSC session on sea level rise
The United Nations Security Council recently issued a warning about the high risks of sea-level rise. The council emphasised the dangers posed by sea level rise by using the word “UNTHINKABLE”. The consequences would have an impact on international law, security, and human rights. The council claims that conflicts are already occurring as a result of sea level rise. As sea levels rise, competition for freshwater, land, and other resources will increase dramatically.
Increased threats
- For the first time in its history, the UNSC held a discussion on the subject of increasing sea levels. During the discussion, the council declared that there are growing dangers that could compromise access to food, medicine, and water.
- Fisheries, the tourism industry, and agricultural economies will all be impacted by saltwater intrusion.
- Schools, hospitals, and other crucial infrastructure will all be destroyed by the sea level rise.
Data
- UNSC cites data from the World Meteorological Organization. WMO claims that compared to the previous 3000 years, sea levels rose quickly after 1900.
- Even if global warming is confined to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the world will see significant sea level rise. Controlling 1.5 degrees increase has become a miracle in the current situation!
Impacts
- New York, Bombay, Bangkok, Lagos, London, and Buenos Aires are some of the major cities that may be affected.
- The affected population is expected to exceed 900 million individuals who live in coastal areas.
- Homelessness will affect 250–400 million people.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What does the IPCC say about sea level rise?
Human activities are estimated to have caused approximately 1.0°C of global warming above pre-industrial levels, with a likely range of 0.8°C to 1.2°C. Global warming is likely to reach 1.5°C between 2030 and 2052 if it continues to increase at the current rate. (high confidence). Source: https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/resources/headline-statements/
What is the predicted sea level rise by 2050?
By 2050, sea level along contiguous U.S. coastlines could rise as much as 12 inches (30 centimeters) above today’s waterline, according to researchers who analyzed nearly three decades of satellite observations. Source: https://climate.nasa.gov/news/3232/nasa-study-rising-sea-level-could-exceed-estimates-for-us-coasts/#:~:text=By%202050%2C%20sea%20level%20along,three%20decades%20of%20satellite%20observations.
Can sea level rise be stopped?
The best solution would be to remove carbon emissions now while preparing for the portion of sea level rise we can no longer prevent. The best tools for this could be coastal ecosystems themselves. Source: https://ourworld.unu.edu/en/sea-level-rise-is-inevitable-but-we-can-still-prevent-catastrophe-for-coastal-regions#:~:text=The%20best%20solution%20would%20be,could%20be%20coastal%20ecosystems%20themselves.
