Christopher Cutajar, Permanent Secretary
As the world grapples with the profound implications of climate change, one of the most serious challenges we face is sea level rise. This phenomenon, driven by melting ice caps and the thermal expansion of seawater, poses a significant threat to states and coastal communities around the world.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade is proud to be launching this event which aims to highlight the multifaceted impacts of rising sea levels, exploring its far-reaching social, economic, and environmental implications. It is a call to action for policymakers, researchers, and communities alike to confront the realities of climate change with urgency and resolve.
The evidence is irrefutable: climate change affects everyone. Extreme weather events are increasing natural disasters and aggravating impacts on natural resources that are already under threat. Lives and livelihoods are under threat from climate change and rising sea levels. Entire cultural landscapes are at risk of being submerged, eroded, or irrevocably altered.
We are not merely witnessing a gradual change; we are facing a crisis that demands immediate attention and coordinated global responses. It is why Malta, as an island state, has chosen to shine a spotlight on sea level rise as a matter of priority in its foreign policy, and has championed the cause during its tenure on the United Nations Security Council during 2023-2024.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade is proud to be launching this event as an opportunity to bring together a diverse array of voices and perspectives, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing the complexities of sea level rise. From a photographer’s lens to selected authors’ perspectives, our renowned contributors provide invaluable insights into the challenges we are facing as a result of the impacts of rising seas.
Let us be reminded that the fight against sea level rise is not solely about protecting coastlines; it is about safeguarding our shared future.
We must harness our collective knowledge, resources, and creativity to confront this challenge head-on. Together, we can forge a sustainable path that not only addresses the immediate threats posed by rising seas but also paves the way for a more resilient and equitable world.
The time for action is now.