In an effort to bolster global partnerships on sea level rise and coastal resilience, Tamil Nadu has received a noteworthy invitation from France to join an international coalition. The initiative is set to kick off during the prestigious third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) taking place in Nice, France, on June 7. The invitation was extended by Dr. Thierry Mathou, the French Ambassador to India, during his meeting with Chief Minister MK Stalin.

The upcoming coalition will be officially launched at the summit and is designed to enhance international cooperation on pressing issues surrounding sea level rise and its impacts on coastal regions. This notable gathering marks the commencement of a week-long UNOC3 event, which will see participation from 193 United Nations member states.

Dr. Mathou, who visited the innovative floating project “Plastic Odyssey,” lauded Tamil Nadu’s progressive steps in addressing the challenges of rising sea levels. Emphasizing the state’s important role, he stated, “States like Tamil Nadu are pivotal to this initiative.” He further highlighted that the coalition aims to connect and unite coastal cities, regions, and island states from around the world.

The significance of the UNOC3 cannot be understated, as Dr. Mathou indicated that the outcomes from this conference could parallel the transformative impact of the Paris Agreement, but for oceanic conservation and resilience initiatives.

Amid these discussions, the latest climate report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) sheds light on concerning climatic realities. The report, expected to be released in 2024, confirms the preceding year as the hottest in 175 years, with global temperatures consistently surpassing the 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels.

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo articulated these findings, saying, “Our 2024 data shows that ocean temperatures continued to rise, contributing to the rising sea levels. Meanwhile, the Earth’s cryosphere, which includes all its frozen components, is melting alarmingly: glaciers are in retreat, and Antarctic sea ice has reached its second-lowest recorded extent.”

The implication of these findings extends the narrative of urgent global action, reinforcing the motives behind France’s coalition initiative and underlining the urgent need for collaborative global efforts to safeguard coastal biodiversity and address the societal impacts of sea level rise.

As Tamil Nadu contemplates joining this vital international coalition, it stands to gain invaluable insights and resources while also contributing its own experiences and solutions to the global dialogue on ocean rise and coastal resilience.

With the impending UNOC3, there is hope that this gathering of nations will foster innovative strategies and catalyze actions that are as comprehensive and binding as the Paris Agreement was for climate change. Such an outcome could prove pivotal for the ongoing battle against the adverse effects of climate change, particularly in safeguarding our oceanic and coastal environments.