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Category — GS Paper 2 ///Published — 2026-09-28 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Rapid Fire CA, Quick Facts For Prelims, International Treaties & Agreements ///Category — GS Paper 2 ///Published — 2026-09-28 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Rapid Fire CA, Quick Facts For Prelims, International Treaties & Agreements ///

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UN Declaration on Sea-Level Rise: Key Highlights

At the 81st UNGA session, India welcomed the landmark UN Declaration on Sea-Level Rise, which guarantees legal continuity of statehood for Small Island Developing States and protects maritime zones under UNCLOS despite territorial loss. The declaration addresses the 5.9 mm global sea-level rise recorded in 2024 and frames sea-level rise as a human-rights and displacement challenge. India's stance reaffirmed climate equity and CBDR-RC, with INCOIS projecting a 0.5–1 metre rise along India's coast by 2100.

2026-09-28

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UN Declaration on Sea-Level Rise

At the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), India welcomed the adoption of the landmark UN Declaration on Sea-Level Rise, reiterating its commitment to climate equity, maritime stability, and developmental assistance for vulnerable nations.

Key Features of the Declaration

Addresses the climate crisis driven by greenhouse gas emissions, melting land ice, and thermal expansion of seawater; global sea levels recorded a 5.9 mm rise in 2024.
Legal continuity of States: Vulnerable Small Island Developing States (SIDS) can retain their sovereignty, statehood, UN membership, and maritime zones even if they completely lose physical territory.
Protection of maritime zones established under UNCLOS, safeguarding territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs).
Frames sea-level rise as a human-rights and displacement challenge, threatening housing, freshwater, food security, and cultural identity.
Calls for stronger climate adaptation, resilient infrastructure, early-warning systems, and increased adaptation finance for developing countries.

India's Position

Stressed the non-negotiable application of equity and the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) in global climate adaptation.

India's Vulnerability to Sea-Level Rise

Over 350 million people linked to the marine economy and coastal resources.
INCOIS projects Relative Mean Sea Level (RMSL) along India's coast could rise by 0.5–1 metre by 2100, increasing storm surges, high tides, and coastal flooding.
Particularly vulnerable low-lying areas: Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, the Sundarbans, Lakshadweep, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands — facing permanent inundation, coastal erosion, and saltwater intrusion.

Significance

First-of-its-kind international recognition that statehood need not be extinguished by physical territory loss — a major development in international law for climate-displaced nations.
Strengthens climate justice discourse and adaptation finance demands of developing countries.
Directly relevant to India's coastal security, disaster management, and blue economy policies.