Statement by Cardinal Parolin on threats of rising sea levels

Bishop John Bakeni in front of water-logged cathedral, Maiduguri, Nigeria © ACN

Source: Holy See Mission

Yesterday, 25 September 2024, His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, issued a statement during the plenary segment of the High-level plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly on the theme "Addressing the threats posed by sea level rise." Due to a shortage of time, a number of delegations were unable to deliver their statements during the plenary session.

In his remarks, Cardinal Parolin emphasized the detrimental effects of climate change, particularly its contribution to rising sea levels. He highlighted how sea level rise disproportionately affects the world's poor, who are the most vulnerable. He called on all States, especially the wealthier ones, to take more urgent action with a spirit of solidarity, compassion, and justice.

The text of the statement follows.

Statement by H.E. Cardinal Pietro Parolin,
Secretary of State of the Holy See,
at the High-Level Meeting
to Address Existential Threats Posed by Sea Level Rise

New York, 25 September 2024
Mr. President,

The Holy See welcomes the convening of this High-Level Meeting to address the existential threat posed by sea level rise. It is our duty today to find solutions for the quarter of the world's population who live on, or nearby, the coast.

The consequences of climate change, including melting ice caps, the thermal expansion of seawater and the increased frequency of extreme weather events, have contributed to the rising of sea levels. For those living in vulnerable areas, the encroaching water is endangering their very existence.

Pope Francis noted that "the world's poor, though least responsible for climate change, are most vulnerable and already suffering its impact."[1] Indeed, sea level rise, which is projected to affect hundreds of millions of people, mainly "impoverished coastal populations who have nowhere else to go."[2] We have the duty to care for "the world and the quality of life of the poorest […], with a sense of solidarity which is at the same time aware that we live in a common home which God has entrusted to us."[3]

The threat of rising sea levels appeals to "our responsibility to promote, through collective and joint commitment, a culture of care, which places human dignity and the common good at the center."[4] It is therefore incumbent upon the international community to take urgent action on a scale commensurate with this threat.

The challenge posed by sea level rise requires both timely and effective climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. However, the reality is that many of those States most at risk lack the resources to implement such measures.

It is the duty of all States, especially the wealthier ones, to act with urgency and in a spirit of solidarity, compassion, and justice to support these States, especially Small Island Developing States, through financial and technical assistance. Such assistance will enable them to adapt to the adverse effects of sea level rise, to build resilience and to respond to loss and damage.

Thank you.

[1] Pope Francis, Message for the Celebration of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, 1 September 2016.
[2] Pope Francis, Encyclical Letter Laudato Si', 24 May 2015, 48.
[3] Ibid., 232.
[4] Pope Francis, Video Message for the High-Level Virtual Climate Ambition Summit 2020, 12 December 2020.