76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
UN Security Council Arria-formula meeting on Sea Level Rise
Statement by DPR Andre Lipand
October 18, New York
I would like to thank Vietnam for convening this important debate which Estonia is honoured to co-sponsor. I would also like to thank all the briefers for their informative and valuable presentations today.
Impacts of climate change are clear drivers of insecurity and a well-recognised risk for peace and security worldwide. The impacts related to sea level rise pose an existential threat to Small Island Developing States, robbing communities of their livelihood and causing forced human migration. Furthermore, sea level rise threatens to increase tensions over resources due to loss of national territory that may in turn affect regional and international stability. Concrete steps are necessary to change the course of these developments.
Estonia, sitting on the shores of the Baltic Sea, can already see the negative effects of climate change on our biodiversity, and our agriculture and forestry sectors. In line with the recent IPCC report, we predict sea level change on the coasts of the Baltic Sea resulting from the combined effects of the increase of global ocean mass and the thermal expansion of seawater. Other regional factors may further affect change in the sea level of the Baltic.
However, sea level is not rising uniformly around the globe. Therefore, it is important not to forget those most vulnerable to climate change. Responding to sea level rise can be complex and many small island countries do not have the capacity to respond to the risks posed by climate change. It is vital that the international community provides assistance and support to vulnerable countries in order to increase their resilience. Estonia has already allocated 9 million Euros for this cause and we will continue with this kind of support.
Mr. Chair, Estonia supports a Security Council resolution on climate and security. It is necessary to focus on prevention now, on prevention tools and strategies, instead of later dealing with the consequences. Regular reporting by the Secretary General on security risks induced by climate change, including sea-level rise, can provide us with much needed information on regional specifics and would be an important step forward in helping to develop tangible prevention measures.
Estonia also notes with interest the work of the International Law Commission on the topic of sea-level rise in relation to international law and we are thankful for their work that is helping to clarify international rules in this important field. Their work will also be helpful for the Security Council.
In conclusion, we the international community must pay full attention to climate change challenges, including the unique challenges which vulnerable countries are confronted with, and mobilize greater international support for their needs. Together, we can make progress to avoid the catastrophic consequences of climate change related to sea level rise.