Desk Report,
Even if a country’s land is completely submerged, the dignity of the state will remain intact.
Many countries will be submerged if sea levels continue to rise due to the climate crisis. Even if a state’s land is completely submerged, its statehood and rights to resources can survive, international law experts have said.
Even if a country’s land is completely submerged, the dignity of the state will remain intact.
The comments come after a long-awaited report by the International Law Commission. The International Law Commission has analyzed whether a state can maintain its statehood, sovereignty and rights to important resources even if it loses land due to climate change. Their report is being considered an important guideline for protecting the future political and economic rights of island states that are most at risk from climate change.
If climate scientists’ fears are true, the average sea level could rise by 90 centimeters (about 3 feet) by 2100. Recent research indicates that this increase could exceed predictions.
This is especially important for small island states. Because many states could face an existential crisis if sea levels rise. However, not only land loss, but also sea level rise can cause various disasters such as flooding, drinking water shortages, and salinity in agricultural land, making it unsuitable for crop production.
After reviewing international law and research and analyzing the views and practices of various countries, legal experts have concluded that there is no legal obstacle to the survival of a country’s maritime boundary even if its land surface changes or is completely submerged. The study found that emissions from 122 large fossil fuel producers and cement factories are responsible for one-third of the current rate of sea level rise. The Pacific island nation of Tuvalu has taken the most vocal position on sea level rise. The country’s nine islands have already begun to feel the effects of a 4.8-millimeter increase in sea level. This increase is expected to intensify in the coming decade.
