GUTERRES CALLS FOR URGENT FUNDING TO ADDRESS RISING SEA LEVELS FROM TONGA

At a press conference in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on world leaders to take urgent action on climate change.

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He highlighted the unprecedented rise in global sea levels, which are climbing at rates not seen in 3,000 years.

This increase is primarily due to greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, which are causing global warming and subsequent sea level rise, reported the United Nations (UN).

Guterres referenced two critical UN reports released that day. The World Meteorological Organization's study and a UN Climate Action Team report both indicate that oceanic changes are accelerating, with more frequent and severe marine heatwaves, record-breaking sea temperatures, and increased coastal flooding.