Tanzania calls for global action against rising sea levels

Tanzanian Vice President Deogratius John Ndejembi has called on the international community to accelerate the provision of climate finance, technology, and early warning systems to combat rising sea levels. Speaking at a United Nations High-Level Meeting in New York, Ndejembi emphasized that rising sea levels are no longer a future threat but an active crisis affecting lives, economies, and ecosystems globally.

Tanzania faces significant risks along its Indian Ocean coastline, including Zanzibar, where millions depend on fishing, tourism, and trade. Key threats identified include beach erosion, saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, and flooding, which jeopardize infrastructure and national development.

While Tanzania is implementing local measures such as coastal protection, mangrove restoration, and community-led climate strategies, the Vice President stressed that individual national efforts are insufficient. He urged for more reliable and accessible climate funding for developing nations and vulnerable coastal communities.