Zoe Mckey, Staff Writer
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued an urgent warning about the catastrophic effects of rising sea levels, particularly on Pacific Island nations, during a visit to Tonga. He emphasized that the climate crisis, driven by human activities, is leading to unprecedented ocean changes, with sea levels rising at alarming rates. Guterres called for a massive increase in global financial support and action to help vulnerable countries, stressing that without immediate intervention, the situation could spiral into an unimaginable disaster.
Two UN reports highlight the severe impact of the climate crisis on the Pacific Islands, which are experiencing faster-than-average sea-level rise, ocean heating, and acidification. These changes are devastating local ecosystems, agriculture, and livelihoods. The reports also warn that the global consequences of rising seas threaten many low-lying regions and coastal cities. Guterres urged world leaders to heed scientific warnings, enhance early warning systems, and drastically reduce emissions to keep global warming within 1.5 degrees Celsius, a critical limit to prevent the most catastrophic outcomes.
