Small island nations facing rising sea levels are grappling with the legal implications of losing their land. The Pacific Islands Forum, representing vulnerable countries, has called upon international legal experts to examine whether a state can still be recognized as such if its territory is submerged, The Guardian reports.
This discussion revolves around the scientific consensus that ocean levels will continue to rise for the next century and the injustice that the countries most affected contribute the least to climate change. The Alliance of Small Island States, responsible for less than 1% of global carbon emissions, is at the forefront of advocating for the continuation of political statehood even in the face of physical disappearance.
As sea levels continue to rise, island nations are already witnessing changes in their maps and increased vulnerability to storm surges. In the future, entire states may become uninhabitable, raising concerns about the fate of their citizens, governance, and resources. The World Bank acknowledges that current regulations were established during a period of climate stability and may need to be reevaluated to address this unprecedented situation under international law.
At a conference in Fiji, leaders from affected nations expressed existential questions regarding their sovereignty, land, homes, and fundamental rights in the face of rising sea levels. The foreign minister of Tuvalu emphasized the need for redefining global rules and recognizing the rights of citizens in the most affected countries. Immediate action is necessary, focusing on protecting legal rights, guaranteeing maritime zones and resources, and advocating for statehood irrespective of the physical impacts of climate change.
The priorities for action depend on the anticipated timing of the impacts. While complete flooding of low-lying countries like Tuvalu may not occur until the 22nd century, the immediate risk lies in recurrent storm surges. Concrete flood barriers are being used to protect vulnerable coastlines, but they offer only partial defense that will diminish over time and remain susceptible to significant flooding events. The focus is now on protecting legal rights, ensuring statehood recognition, and considering options such as leasing land in other countries.
The issue of permanent diaspora and the preservation of legal rights and cultural cohesion pose additional challenges. International law lacks a specific category for climate refugees or those affected by sea-level rise, relying instead on existing agreements on human rights and refugees. Merging with another state or seeking engagement from major emitters to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are potential solutions to mitigate the pressure on oceans.
Amid discussions about disappearing nations and climate refugees, island nations emphasize the importance of combating climate change. They reject the notion of helplessness and instead advocate for global responsibility and engagement to reduce emissions. Climate action remains their best chance for safeguarding their rights and survival. The goal is to keep global temperatures below 1.5 degrees Celsius, making it a top priority for small island nations.
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