The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a landmark declaration warning that the cumulative, severe and irreversible risks from rising sea levels require stronger international cooperation and urgent action.

The declaration follows a high-level meeting at UN Headquarters on 24 September that brought together governments, experts and other stakeholders to address the growing effects of sea-level rise on coastal communities, low-lying countries and small island developing states.

The World Meteorological Organization said the declaration calls for stronger international cooperation, improved disaster-risk reduction, better access to climate data and risk assessments, stronger early-warning systems and long-term adaptation planning.

The UN has increasingly placed sea-level rise at the centre of discussions on climate resilience, food and water security, infrastructure and sustainable development.

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Disclaimer: This report is based on publicly available information and official United Nations and WMO sources. HRNW is an independent news platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the United Nations or WMO.