On September 24, during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, member states unanimously adopted the first-ever UN declaration addressing the issue of rising sea levels. The declaration, which was strongly advocated for by the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), asserts that nations will retain their political sovereignty even if their territory is entirely submerged due to rising seas, according to The Christian Science Monitor. This means that even if a country is completely underwater, it would still be able to maintain its original maritime borders, exclusive rights to fishing and other ocean resources, and military jurisdiction over its waters. As a result, countries experiencing changes to their coastlines due to rising sea levels would not see their exclusive economic zones altered. This declaration is expected to play a significant role in protecting the future of small island nations, which The Christian Science Monitor notes are the real beneficiaries of this agreement. Philip Davis, the Prime Minister of the Bahamas—an island nation already at risk from rising sea levels—explained to Grist that the legal protections outlined in the declaration would help safeguard his country's interests. The declaration also highlights the growing concern over the impact of rising ocean levels, which are expected to be more severe than previously anticipated. Coastal cities in the United States often downplay the risks associated with rising sea levels, despite the increasing evidence of their vulnerability. Meanwhile, Pacific island states, which are among the most affected by climate change, continue to fight for their survival and rights. The issue of ocean health and rising sea levels has become a central concern for the United Nations, prompting international cooperation and legal frameworks to address the challenges posed by climate change.