In light of the escalating reports on increasing sea levels and more severe weather events, the demand for international efforts to address climate change has reached a critical level of urgency.

The commencement of the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Dubai this week will once again draw global attention to the significant discussions pertaining to the future of our planet.

For small island developing states (SIDS), this juncture will serve as a platform to highlight our susceptibilities while also presenting a prospect to enhance comprehension of our capacity to withstand and recover from challenges.

The Maldives, as a nation, serves as a representative example of the various issues encountered by Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The escalating levels of sea, the erratic nature of weather patterns, the increasing strength of storm surges, and the existential risk posed by gradual-onset disasters pose significant risks to our communities, ecosystems, economies, and means of sustenance.

According to current trends, it is projected that there will be a rise in sea levels of around 48 centimeters by the year 2100. In a country characterized by approximately 80% of its territory being situated at an elevation of less than one meter above sea level, each incremental measurement of a millimeter holds significant importance. For our society, data on the increase in sea levels holds significance beyond mere numerical representation. The aforementioned entities represent our current state of existence and necessitate proactive measures.