Possible adverse effects of sea-level rise on islands and coastal areas, particularly low-lying coastal areas : resolution / adopted by the General Assembly

The General Assembly,

Recalling its resolutions 42/202 of 11 December 1987 and 43/53 of 6 December 1988,

Aware of the potential global problem of sea-level rise, which could adversely affect islands and coastal areas, particularly low-lying coastal areas,

Recognizing the need for further scientific study of climate change, including the possibility of sea-level rise induced by global warming,

Noting the ongoing work within the United Nations system, in particular within the United Nations Environment Programme, the World Meteorological Organization and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, on the potential global problem of sea-level rise and taking note, in this connection, of decision 15/36 of 25 May 1989 of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme on global climate change,

Noting also the concern expressed in the final communique of the Twentieth South Pacific Forum, held at Tarawa, Kiribati, on 10 and 11 July 1989, at the possible effects on island countries of rising sea levels resulting from global warming,

Noting further the support expressed in the Langkawi Declaration on Environment, adopted by the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting on 21 October 1989, for low-lying and island countries in their efforts to protect themselves and their vulnerable natural marine ecosystems from the effects of sea-level rise,

Taking note of the Male Declaration on Global Warming and Sea Level Rise, adopted by the Small States Conference on Sea Level Rise, held at Male, Maldives, from 14 to 18 November 1989, in which the participants declared their intent to work, collaborate and seek international co-operation to protect the low-lying small coastal and island States of the world from the dangers posed by climate change, global warming and sea-level rise,

Expressing concern that sea-level rise resulting from global climate change could lead, inter alia, to abnormally high tides, which could intensify flooding and the erosion of coastal areas and damage infrastructure on islands and in low-lying coastal areas,

1.         Welcomes the growing attention being given world-wide to the potentially serious effects on islands and coastal areas, particularly low-lying coastal areas, of sea-level rise resulting from climate change;

2.         Urges the international community to provide effective and timely support to countries affected by sea-level rise, particularly developing countries, in their efforts to develop and implement strategies to protect themselves and their vulnerable natural marine ecosystems from the particular threats of sea-level rise caused by climate change;

3.         Requests the Secretary-General to invite the United Nations Environment Programme, the World Meteorological Organization and, through them, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to take account in their work of the particular situation of islands and coastal areas, particularly low-lying coastal areas, by undertaking further scientific studies and by seeking ways to address the problems of sea-level rise, inter alia, by providing expertise, as requested, in accordance with their specific mandates, for improved management of coastal zones;

4.         Recommends that the vulnerability of affected countries and their marine ecosystems to sea-level rise be considered during discussions of a draft framework convention on climate as well as within the framework of the United Nations conference on environment and development to be held in 1992 and during the preparatory process for the conference;

5.         Requests the Secretary-General to report on the implementation of the present resolution to the General Assembly at its forty-sixth session, through the Economic and Social Council and the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme.