Climate Change
Statement by Dr. NAKAMURA Kazuhiko, Ambassador, Director-General / Assistant Minister for Global Issues on Sea-level Rise High-level Meeting
On September 25th at 5pm local time (on 26th at 6am in Japan), Dr. NAKAMURA Kazuhiko, Ambassador, Director-General / Assistant Minister for Global Issues attended the High-level Meeting on addressing the existential threats posed by sea level rise and delivered a statement during his visit to New York for the 79th United Nations General Assembly. It is the first time that the UN General Assembly held a high-level meeting to address the issue of sea level rise caused by climate change.
In the statement, Director-General Nakamura pointed out that the threat posed by sea-level-rise are not only national security issues, but also human security issues, as it threatens people's lives. Japan has stated the position that it is permissible to preserve the existing baseline and maritime zones established in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), notwithstanding the regression of coastlines caused by climate change. Additionally, Japan shared its commitment to support countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change through financial and technical assistance, in order to build sustainable and resilient economies and societies, and work together to enhance resilience and support their energy transition and decarbonization.
