Once upon a time = Experts Say. Anyhow, this is a new one from the cult
Countries should keep their statehood if land disappears under sea, experts say
States should be able to continue politically even if their land disappears underwater, legal experts have said.
The conclusions come from a long-awaited report by the International Law Commission that examined what existing law means for continued statehood and access to key resources if sea levels continue to rise due to climate breakdown.
If they have no land, how?
Average sea levels could rise by as much as 90cm (3ft) by 2100 if climate scientists’ worst-case scenarios come true, and recent research suggests they could even exceed projections. This is particularly important for small island developing states because many face an existential threat. But as well as the direct loss of land, rising sea levels cause flooding, threaten drinking water supplies and make farmland too salty to grow on.
“Could.” But won’t. There has been less than a foot of rise since the beginning of the 20th Century, and even the craziest tide gauge won’t give you more than a foot and half per 100 years, a lot because of land subsistence.
Having waded through international law and scholarship and analysed state views and practices, legal experts concluded that nothing prevents nations from maintaining their maritime boundaries even if the land on which they are drawn changes or disappears. These boundaries give countries navigation rights, access to resources such as fishing and minerals, and a degree of political control.
There is also general agreement that affected nations should retain their statehood to avoid loss of nationality. Legal experts say these conclusions are essential for maintaining international peace and stability.
Where would these people actually live, once their islands disappear (which hasn’t and won’t happen)?
The Pacific nation of Tuvalu has been particularly vocal in its concerns. Sea levels on its nine islands and atolls have already risen by 4.8mm and are expected to get much higher over the coming decades.
“Expected.” The tide gauge shows 3.92 per year for a short term gauge, and, like all the others, not accelerating. Also, they’ve turned their island into a shithole, creating problems with clean water. Also also, how do these “experts” think coral islands are created?
Australia was the first country to recognise the permanence of Tuvalu’s boundaries despite rising sea levels. In 2023, it signed a legally binding treaty committing to help Tuvalu respond to major disasters and offering special visas to citizens who want or need to move. Nearly a third of citizens have entered a ballot for such a visa. Latvia followed with a similar pledge of recognition.
So, basically, Australia will be allowing people to setup their own nation within Australia’s borders? Sounds stupid. But, this is a cult.
