Sea-level rise and implications for international…

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate confirms that global mean sea level is rising (virtually certain) and accelerating (high confidence). According to the report, 680 million people (nearly 10% of the global population in 2010) live in low-lying coastal areas will be directly affected by sea-level rise. More than 70 states are or are likely to be indirectly affected by sea-level rise. Another large number of States is likely to be indirectly affected, for instance, by the displacement of people or the lack of access to resources. Sea-level rise has thus become a global phenomenon and creates global problems, impacting the international community as a whole.

The Arria-Formula meeting of the Security Council provides an opportunity to enhance understanding of the phenomenon of sea-level rise and the nexus of sea-level rise and international and regional peace, security and stability, given the latest scientific research and information on the evolution and impact of climate change. The Security Council and the wider membership of the UN can exchange views on the best approach to integrate climate security risk in its activities and consideration. It is also a chance to also reflect on how to better support affected countries to mitigate these threats in a comprehensive manner.

United Nations Security Council members organizers: Viet Nam, Estonia, France, Ireland, Kenya, Niger, Norway, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Tunisia, United Kingdom and United States. Co-sponsors: The Dominican Republic, Fiji, Germany, Guyana, Malta, Mauritius, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Romania, Saint Lucia and Tuvalu.