Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in his speech at the Sea Level Rise high level meeting held during the UN General Assembly, emphasized that the rising sea levels due to global warming pose a serious threat to coastal areas and communities. Mitsotakis highlighted that nearly 37% of the world’s population lives near coastlines and that 50% of global tourism occurs in these regions, stressing that immediate action is necessary to prevent further damage.
He underscored the need for adequate infrastructure to address the challenges posed by rising sea levels, advocating for a flexible combination of natural and green solutions, as well as the protection and restoration of coastal natural capital.
Mitsotakis stated that Greece and the EU are pioneers in implementing the Green Deal, emphasizing the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He outlined three priorities on the matter: creating resilient infrastructure, fostering public-private partnerships and enhancing international cooperation for financing solutions.
“ Many countries will see their lands flood, endangering lives and livelihoods, while displacement will become inevitable if we do not take immediate and bold action. The Mediterranean coasts, which host some of the most historic sites and iconic monuments of human heritage, are already facing an increasing challenge,” he remarked.
He stressed that the critical issue of rising sea levels must be addressed at the European level, as it affects not only small island states.
Mitsotakis also mentioned Greece’s hosting of the “Our Ocean Conference,” which brought together 3,000 participants and commitments totaling 11 billion dollars, reaffirming Greece’s commitment to tackling the issue of rising sea levels.
