UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited Tonga to highlight a serious global issue—rising sea levels. He spoke at the Pacific Islands Forum, emphasizing how quickly sea levels are increasing and the dangers this poses, especially to low-lying nations like Tonga.
Waking to the Tide: An Introduction on How High Tides are Killing Coastal Communities
Rising Sea Levels Causes
- Climate change is causing the oceans to rise and Tonga has sea levels rising at more than double global average.
- Warmer oceans and melting ice contribute to increase •
Impact on Coastal Communities
- Larger sea water results in additional storm surges.
- Rising of the sea levels => and impact on coastal flooding too.
- Saltwater intrusion in freshwater supply.
Guterres Calls For International Action Last week, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres took this call for global solidarity even further.
- Cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
- Phase out fossil fuels.
Investment in Renewable Energy
- Mitigating impacts of climate change.
- Contain global warming to 1.5 °C
Focus on G20 Countries
- G20 nations (responsible for 80% of global emissions) must make deep cuts in their GHG emissions.
- Long-term financial support is needed for adaptation and resilience-building in countries like Tonga.
Month: Current Affairs - August 31, 2024
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