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UN Report: 14 Million at Risk of Permanent Inundation; Sea Level Rise Hits Record 5.9 mm in 2024

Target:MPSCUPSC GS-IIISSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
03 Sept 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:5.9 mm (sea level rise 2024)4.7 mm (average 2014-2023)14 million at risk80% of Mumbai island city submerged by 2050132 mm to 182 mm (very heavy rainfall increase)
Bodies:United Nations General AssemblyBrihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.UN report 'Challenges related to sea level rise' submitted to UN General Assembly on Aug 31, 2026, identifies Mumbai, Kolkata, Dhaka as vulnerable to permanent inundation.

2.Global sea level rose at record 5.9 mm in 2024; average 4.7 mm from 2014-2023; projected 0.5 m rise by 2100, worst-case 2 m.

3.Mumbai's Climate Action Plan (2021) projects 80% of island city submerged by 2050; very heavy rainfall events increased from 132 mm to 182 mm over 6 years.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

A new UN report submitted to the General Assembly warns that sea levels rose at a record 5.9 mm in 2024, threatening 14 million people in South Asian megacities like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Dhaka with permanent inundation. For Mumbai, risks are compounded by land subsidence, saltwater intrusion, and increasing extreme rainfall events. This is critical for disaster management, climate change adaptation, and geography syllabus.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Sea Level Rise 20245.9 mm (record)
Avg. Rise 2014-20234.7 mm
Projected Rise by 21000.5 m (min), 2 m (worst-case)
Population at Risk (South Asia)14 million
Mumbai Submerged by 205080% of island city (MCAP)
Very Heavy Rainfall Increase132 mm → 182 mm (6 years)

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Sea Level Rise 2024: 5.9 mm (record)
  • ›Avg. Rise 2014-2023: 4.7 mm
  • ›Target this Data: Sea level rise 2024 – 5.9 mm (record); average 2014-2023 – 4.7 mm
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: United Nations (report submitted to UN General Assembly)
  • ›Target this Plan: Mumbai Climate Action Plan (MCAP) 2021 projected 80% submergence by 2050

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which United Nations body received the report 'Challenges related to sea level rise and ways and approaches to address'?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements:

1. Global sea levels rose at a record rate of 5.9 mm in 2024.

2. The UN report projects at least 1 metre of global sea level rise by 2100 under aggressive emissions reduction scenarios.

3. Mumbai's Climate Action Plan (MCAP) was released by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation in 2021.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the UN report, what was the average annual sea level rise between 2014 and 2023?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary risk highlighted for Mumbai besides sea level rise that compounds its vulnerability?

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