Mumbai, September 1: A recent report by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warns that rising sea levels could severely impact millions living in Kolkata and Mumbai.
The report, released on Monday, highlights the serious consequences of global warming, which causes glaciers and ice sheets to melt and oceans to warm. This phenomenon threatens not only property and lives but also entire cultures.
During the 55th meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders, Secretary-General Amina Mohammed reported that the annual increase in sea levels reached an unprecedented height of nearly six millimeters in 2024.
Hosted by Palau, an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, this meeting underscores the grave threat posed by rising sea levels, which could inundate many of its islands.
The report states, “The greatest impact is seen in the low delta regions of South Asia, particularly in cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, and Dhaka, where over 14 million people face the risk of permanent displacement due to flooding.” However, no specific timeline for this alarming situation has been established.
At a press conference in New York, Assistant Secretary-General Navid Hanif emphasized that rising sea levels present a significant challenge, as people in these areas are losing their coastal land. The effects of rising sea levels extend beyond coastal regions.
He stated, “Please consider rising sea levels as a major systemic issue, as it will affect health, food security, human rights, and culture. You will lose your ancestral land and identity. Therefore, governments need to adopt a comprehensive approach to integrate this issue into their planning processes.”
Last week, a tsunami-like flood of water and mud occurred due to glacier collapse in the Himalayas along the Nepal-Tibet border, resulting in hundreds of deaths and widespread destruction.
When asked about the impact of glacier melting in South Asia, Hanif referred to the Himalayan glaciers as the “third pole.” He explained, “We have the North and South Poles, and due to the significant accumulation of glaciers in South Asia, it is considered the ‘third pole.’ In the next 15 to 20 years, the melting of these glaciers poses a flood risk for South Asia, potentially leading to droughts that could affect crops and food security, creating significant risks.”
The report indicates that approximately 770 million people worldwide, nearly one in ten, are at risk as they live in coastal areas less than five meters above the high-tide line and are already facing significant threats.
It is estimated that infrastructure valued at least $1.8 trillion is at risk due to threats associated with rising sea levels.
The report states, “Rising sea levels are already damaging urban infrastructure, water systems, transportation, energy grids, buildings, and groundwater resources. The long-term implications pose a threat to the effective enjoyment of human rights.”
While island nations will feel the brunt of rising sea levels, the threat does not recognize geographical boundaries.
The report notes, “For instance, in the United States, cities like Miami and New York, and in China, Guangzhou, face significant financial risks to coastal infrastructure, with the estimated value of at-risk properties ranging from $2 trillion to $3.5 trillion.”
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