New study reveals underestimated sea level rise, threatening 100 million more people globally
Original framing: “The sea is higher than we thought and millions more are at risk, study finds - AP News” — AP News (via Google News)
Small island developing states and coastal Indigenous communities are among the most vulnerable yet least heard in global climate negotiations. Their exclusion from decision-making perpetuates a power imbalance that undermines equitable solutions.
Sea level rise is not just a scientific or environmental issue—it is a deeply systemic challenge shaped by historical emissions, colonial legacies, and economic inequality.
Indigenous knowledge systems and cross-cultural adaptation strategies offer valuable insights that are often sidelined in favor of technocratic solutions. By integrating these perspectives into policy and planning, and by addressing the root causes of climate change through equitable finance and governance, we can build more resilient and just coastal communities. The path forward requires not only technological innovation but also a reimagining of our relationship with the ocean and each other.