The steady rise of sea levels, attributed to climate change, has become an urgent global issue affecting coastal cities, regions, and islands.

This pressing challenge is the focus of the "Ocean Rise & Coastal Resilience" summit, organized by the UN, where mayors and leaders from coastal communities worldwide will gather in Nice, France, on Saturday.

The event, presided over by Nice's mayor Christian Estrosi, aims to foster collaboration and establish a new coalition to address the impacts of rising seas.

This summit marks a significant development in environmental diplomacy, as it unites local officials from coastal areas and islands representing approximately one billion inhabitants.

The coalition's goal is to confront the consequences of sea-level rise, driven primarily by human activities that contribute to global warming and the resultant melting of glaciers.

Key issues under discussion will include shoreline impacts, erosion, flooding, salinization of lands, and the forced displacement of populations.

The summit is expected to draw participation from representatives across all continents, although some nations with authoritarian regimes may be absent.

Notably, Tuvalu, a nation at serious risk from climate change, is likely to be a focal point.

While former U.S. President Donald Trump will not attend the conference, cities such as New York, New Orleans, and Santa Cruz will be represented, showcasing a collaboration that transcends national conflicts.

A charter proposed at the summit will advocate for shared resources, including modeling tools for urban development and resilience planning.

The uneven nature of sea-level rise necessitates adaptive measures, with Nice actively involved in European efforts to democratize the use of digital ocean twins—dynamic virtual models that simulate various oceanic factors like wave height, temperature, currents, biodiversity, and pollution.

The coalition aims to ensure that disadvantaged regions gain access to these crucial tools as part of their resilience strategies.

In terms of long-term sustainability, the coalition will have a permanent secretariat based in Nice, chaired by Estrosi.

This arrangement includes a commitment to ongoing dialogue among members and an annual summit, with the next gathering scheduled for Dakhla, Morocco.

The summit will also showcase various innovative approaches to coastal resilience, including artificial sandbanks in the Netherlands and floating dikes in Venice.

The intergenerational experience of the Dutch, with one-third of their land below sea level, is anticipated to provide valuable insights.

Scientists will also take part, sharing expertise to inform the discussions and recommendations shared with national governments.

The French Mediterranean coast faces pressing challenges, with projections indicating that by 2050, up to 2,000 homes will be at risk from rising waters.

Recognition of these threats remains a critical task, as local leaders aim to cultivate awareness and demonstrate that decisive action is necessary to mitigate these risks.

Challenges persist, as some local policymakers underestimate the immediate threat of rising seas to their regions.

Comparisons have been drawn with Alexandria, Egypt, which has encountered 40 cm of sea-level rise over the past 30 years.

Without intervention, significant portions of coastal cities could face submersion within the next decade or two.

Infrastructure such as roads linking Antibes and Villeneuve-Loubet is already vulnerable to these changes.

The coalition aims to explore adaptable solutions, including potential underground transport routes, as communities reconsider their geographical challenges.

In discussions about construction along coastlines, coalition leaders will emphasize the need for flexible and responsive development strategies.

Recent initiatives in infrastructure in regions like Var reflect a proactive approach to managing environmental risks.

Efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions are also expected to be a topic of conversation, with coastal cities called to lead by example.

The environmental impact of shipping and other industries, including the cruise sector, will be scrutinized, highlighting a need for comprehensive approaches to pollution and transportation.

As global populations continue to shift due to rising sea levels, with predictions suggesting 280 million coastal residents may need to relocate by 2100, the coalition's framework will address migration concerns while considering the balance between facilitating movement and preserving social stability.