Extreme weather events like hurricanes and storm surges, and coastal erosion are rapidly escalating in frequency and intensity. These impacts are felt in every corner of the world, from developed coastal cities to smaller, less-resourced regions.
To address these challenges the “Ocean Rise & Coastal Resilience Coalition for Cities and Regions” is a critical opportunity to unite subnational governments, networks, and scientific organizations to develop scalable solutions for coastal resilience. Announced at COP29 at the Climate Mobility Pavilion, the Coalition will be launched at the UN Oceans Conference 3 which will be held in Nice, France in June 2025.
“Adelaide has implemented comprehensive policies to address sea level rise, ensuring that all development and infrastructure projects incorporate resilience measures. However, these efforts are continuously challenged by the evolving timelines and parameters associated with sea level rise, requiring ongoing adaptation and foresight,” said Cate Hart, Executive Director at Department of Environment and Water, Adelaide, Australia.
Supported by governments including France and Costa Rica, and coordinated by the Ocean & Climate Platform, this Coalition brings together diverse cities, regions, and partners—including ICLEI. The Coalition aims to unite global coastal regions to tackle shared challenges through collaboration, learning, and collective action.
“ICLEI remains committed to supporting subnational governments in their efforts to build resilience in coastal areas. The Ocean Rise & Coastal Resilience Coalition offers a powerful platform to unite our global community, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, building technical capacity, mobilizing financial support, and advocating for policy change,” stated Kobie Brand, ICLEI Deputy Secretary-General. Ms Brand added: “By working together, we can ensure that coastal cities and regions are better equipped to face the challenges of climate change and create a more resilient, sustainable future for all.”