The existential threat of rising sea levels.

SGGP 05/11/2023 07:00

At the United Nations headquarters in New York City, the 78th session of the UN General Assembly held a discussion on the existential threat of rising sea levels in the context of the climate crisis.

Coastal protection measures against rising sea levels are being implemented in India. Photo: UN

Ensuring security and sustainability

In his opening remarks, United Nations General Assembly President Dennis Francis highlighted the increasingly widespread and evident impacts of rising sea levels and called on the international community to share responsibility in supporting countries directly affected by this and other climate change phenomena.

According to Francis, rising sea levels are also raising questions about national borders, sovereignty , maritime zones, and UN membership. He urged countries to ensure security and sustainability in the context of the climate crisis, moving towards a collective approach to realize the call to “leave no one behind.”

Speakers and representatives from participating countries discussed the challenges posed by climate change and sea-level rise to the security, development, and livelihoods of people, particularly in small island nations and low-lying areas. Delegates called for increased action and funding to adapt to and respond to climate change...

Political will and international action

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations, emphasized the need to consider the issue of sea level rise and all efforts and measures to address its impacts based on international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

According to Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, in order to effectively address the impacts of climate change and sea level rise, countries must take responsibility for fulfilling their commitments and strengthening climate action and finance, including commitments made at the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP) and the Climate Ambitions Summit in September 2023. Vietnam calls for the acceleration of the establishment of the Compensation Fund for Losses and Damages, as agreed upon by countries at COP27; taking into account the interests of countries with special circumstances, including small island nations and countries most vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change in the action program. Mobilizing the political will and action of the international community in supporting these countries is extremely important.

As one of the countries with a long coastline most severely affected by climate change, sea level rise, and saltwater intrusion, Vietnam understands the impact of these phenomena on security and development. Therefore, Vietnam is constantly striving to strengthen climate action to fulfill its commitments, including establishing a Partnership on Just Energy Transition and developing a resource mobilization plan; and is ready to cooperate and share experiences, best practices, and lessons learned with other countries and partners to promote joint efforts in responding to climate change and sea level rise.

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