Statement by the Republic of Latvia Ministerial-Level Open Debate entitled
“Sea-Level Rise – Implications for International Peace and Security”
14 February 2023
Mr. President,
Latvia thanks Malta for organizing this important meeting at this crucial time for global climate action. We thank the briefers for their insightful presentations.
Latvia aligns itself with the statement by the European Union.
While we have had all necessary tools to act upon it for years, lack of political will has fertilized inaction that has hindered more tangible steps in the right direction. We often speak of the next generations that will suffer greatly from climate change, but we have to listen to science here – it might be our generation first that needs saving and it might be sooner than we expected.
The climate science is clear. The world is not on track to limit global warming to 1.5C. More ambitious and accelerated mitigation action is necessary this decade for us to ever stand the chance. Climate change is well underway. Its impacts are experienced more widely and intensely, and some – like changes in oceans, ice sheets and global sea level -, are irreversible even in the very long term.
Global mean sea level (GMSL) has risen about 21cm since 1900, at an accelerating rate. GMSL reached its highest value ever in 2021. Climate change induced sea level rise has the potential to transform surface of the planet, a clear threat for global peace and security. For none are the risks more pressing and existential than the low-lying and small island developing states.
There is no recorded instance where a territory of a State had been completely submerged or rendered uninhabitable. While such a situation might be an eventuality, it is clear that loss of territory is preceded by the loss of habitat and livelihoods.
We already see that climate change will induce competition for vital resources continuously and will fuel tensions in some regions. Sea-level rise will impact coastal communities - their access to essential resources, particularly water security, agriculture production, infrastructure and services for social development.
Latvia too has identified sea-level rise as a significant risk in the National Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change until 2030, adopted in 2019. With climate change impacts increasing in occurrence and strength, such adaptation plans and measures will determine the resilience of countries and communities. It is necessary to urgently develop, update and implement adaptation strategies that are holistic and based on best available science.
International cooperation has a crucial role to play in climate action. In the Baltic region we pay special attention to regional cooperation, for instance within the Council of the Baltic Sea States. On a global scale, we fully support the ongoing work under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in scaling up climate action and enhancing the resilience of countries on the frontlines of climate crisis and facing the existential threat of sea level rise.
In this regard, we look forward to the forthcoming report on a Multidimensional Vulnerability Index. We also look forward to the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States and its preparatory process. It could also provide the opportunity to reflect on the topic from the sustainable development perspective. Latvia has put forward its candidacy to the Bureau of the Preparatory Committee, and is ready to contribute to the process.
Latvia is closely following the work of the International Law Commission’s Study Group on sea-level rise in relation to international law, and has reflected upon and provided its reactions during the General Assembly 6th Committee yearly discussion of the ILC Report. Sea-level rise poses significant questions about the suitability of established concepts and institutions of international law of the sea, law of human rights, and law of statehood for addressing the interests of specially affected actors. While the framing of these questions may be new, international law is not unfamiliar with the phenomenon of legally recognized and existing States with limited factual control over territory, and the historical experience of Baltic States provides us with an informed perspective and sympathy for the arguments of affected States. Latvia is also looking forward to reading the materials of the third issues paper of the Study group and its discussion by the ILC later this year.
With respect to the legal implications of sea level rise, we believe that international courts and tribunals play an important role in clarifying the applicable rules that guide the conduct of States and other actors in dealing with the causes and implications of climate crisis. Thus, we express our appreciation for the historical Vanuatu initiative to request an advisory opinion on climate change from the International Court of Justice as well as the request for an advisory opinion submitted to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea by the Commission of Small Island States on climate change and international law. Latvia will consider involvement in these advisory proceedings to contribute to the development of international law.
It is important that the UN Security Council demonstrates full flexibility to embrace the existing climate challenges and ensures that impact of sea level rise is considered in a cross-cutting manner in the Council’s work and the activities it mandates that would also allow to assess the particular threat of sea-level rise. We regret that a historical draft resolution framing the problem of climate change as a “threat to international peace and security” and co-sponsored by a majority of the UN membership, failed to be adopted in 2021 due to a veto by a permanent member.
In conclusion, ambitious and urgent climate mitigation action remains the crucial element for managing the climate risks, and limiting sea level rise. Latvia is strongly committed to fulfill its climate targets, and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Additionally, currently we are working on implementation of more ambitious 2030 greenhouse gas emissions targets. Latvia encourages all countries to commit to more ambitious climate targets in their new and updated Nationally Determined Contributions before the COP28. Latvia has contributed recently to UNDP’s Climate Promise that helps countries reach their climate goals.
As we continue to respond to the crises unfolding across the world, we must ensure that we build back better and greener for a sustainable, climate resilient and peaceful future.
I thank you!