As rising sea levels continue to reshape the world, the health impacts of climate change have emerged as a pressing concern. Christiana Figueres, the former UN climate chief, recently underscored this issue, stating that nations reliant on fossil fuels are being “held hostage” by their dependency, which exacerbates global health disparities. Figueres has taken on the role of co-chair for a new Lancet Commission that will investigate how sea-level rise is influencing health, wellbeing, and social equity. The findings will be critical for shaping future policies, with a report expected by September 2027.
The Global Health Crisis Linked to Climate Change
In a stark warning about the consequences of climate change, Figueres described the health impacts stemming from rising sea levels as “the mother of all injustices.” The commission aims to establish legal frameworks that will hold countries accountable for the health consequences of climate change, particularly in vulnerable regions like the Pacific Islands, which face the imminent threat of becoming uninhabitable.
Recent statements from Pacific island health ministers have further emphasised the need for global attention on this matter, framing it not only as an environmental crisis but also as a profound health and justice issue. Rising sea levels threaten to contaminate drinking water, disrupt sanitation, and compromise food security as saltwater inundates agricultural lands.
Figueres pointed out that many low-lying regions—including Tuvalu, Kiribati, and Fiji—are at significant risk. Research published in the journal *Nature* has indicated that ocean levels may be rising more rapidly in certain areas than previously estimated, particularly affecting regions in the Global South, with increases of up to 150cm in some locales.
Addressing the Root Causes of Inequity
When discussing the implications of displacement due to rising sea levels, Figueres highlighted the emotional and cultural toll on communities forced to abandon their homes. “Can you imagine the pain of having to leave the bones of ancestors?” she asked, emphasising the intergenerational trauma tied to climate-induced migration. This loss is not just physical but deeply rooted in identity and cultural continuity, affecting the very fabric of affected communities.
The commission will explore how to hold major polluters accountable for the irreversible damage inflicted on nations that contribute least to climate change. Figueres has noted the necessity of assessing existing legal instruments and identifying gaps in protections to ensure that justice prevails for those suffering from these climate impacts.
The Role of Legal Accountability and Climate Litigation
In light of a landmark advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2025, which stated that countries have a legal obligation to protect the climate, there is a growing impetus for climate litigation. Although non-binding, this opinion could lead to increased legal actions against nations failing to meet their environmental responsibilities. Vanuatu is set to spearhead a UN resolution aimed at reinforcing the ICJ’s findings, although challenges remain from states resistant to acknowledging fossil fuel-related legal responsibilities.
Figueres cautioned that merely having legally binding agreements is insufficient for ensuring compliance. She recounted Canada’s withdrawal from the Kyoto Protocol, underscoring the need for a multi-faceted approach that combines legal pressure with scientific evidence to drive change. “Enlightened self-interest,” she argued, is a far more effective motivator for emission reductions than legal frameworks alone.
The Path Forward: A Call to Action
As the world grapples with the realities of climate change, the Lancet Commission’s work could serve as a pivotal moment in addressing the health impacts of rising sea levels. Figueres urges businesses and governments to recognise that reducing emissions is not just an ethical imperative but also a necessity for economic stability and public health.
By framing climate change in terms of its immediate effects on health, dignity, and cultural integrity, Figueres advocates for a more relatable understanding of the crisis, one that compels action. The commission’s findings will be crucial in informing policies that can mitigate the health impacts of climate change, ensuring that vulnerable communities receive the support they desperately need.
Why it Matters
The implications of sea-level rise extend beyond geographical boundaries; they touch on the very essence of human existence and societal structure. As communities face displacement and health crises, the call for accountability and action becomes ever more urgent. The findings of the Lancet Commission will not only highlight the profound injustices faced by the most vulnerable but also serve as a clarion call for global solidarity in addressing the health impacts of climate change. Ignoring these realities threatens not just the wellbeing of specific communities but undermines the health of our planet as a whole.
