VIDEO Watch "Sea level rising | Elizabeth Mendenhall | TEDxURI" on YouTube

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Sea level rising | Elizabeth Mendenhall | TEDxURI In this thought-provoking TEDx talk, Dr. Elizabeth Mendenhall addresses the urgent issue of rising sea levels and their implications within the framework of international law. With her background as an assistant professor at the University of Rhode Island, Dr. Mendenhall's insights focus on how the evolving dynamics of coastal environments are mismatched with outdated legal structures governing the oceans.

Key Points:​

1. Changing Coastlines: Dr. Mendenhall emphasizes that coastlines are not static; they change due to natural processes like erosion and sediment deposition. The recent unprecedented dynamism in coastlines is driven chiefly by rising sea levels, which is attributable to two main factors: the melting of glaciers in Greenland and Antarctica, and the thermal expansion of ocean water as it heats up.
2. Legal Challenges: The existing law of the sea, which was solidified in treaties negotiated in the 1970s and 80s, assumes that coastlines will remain fixed. This is problematic as rising sea levels and coastal shifts threaten established maritime boundaries and resource claims, potentially leading to legal and diplomatic conflicts over ownership and access to vital marine resources.
3. Implications for Islands and Maritime Claims: There’s a crucial distinction made between "islands" and "rocks" in international law; islands receive broader territorial claims, while rocks do not. As climate change alters these definitions—where previously solid land becomes submerged or shifts—the legal status of these regions will impact millions, especially small island developing states (SIDS) vulnerable to rising tides.
4. Resource Security: The competition for resources will intensify as national claims shift with the changing coastlines. Countries like China are actively engaged in island-building in strategic areas, raising concerns among their neighbors over sovereignty and resource access.
5. Call to Action: Dr. Mendenhall advocates for the United States to ratify the law of the sea treaty to establish clearer legal standing on maritime claims and engage more earnestly in the discourse surrounding climate impacts. This would not only stabilize claims but also offer a framework for managing emerging conflicts over diminishing maritime resources.
   

   Conclusion:​

   Dr. Mendenhall’s talk challenges us to rethink the interplay between environmental change and legal frameworks. As sea levels rise and coastlines shift, the urgency for updating international law becomes increasingly critical. The need for discussions on sustainable responses and legal clarity is paramount to ensure peace and resource equitability in a changing world.
   

   Community Discussion:​

   What are your thoughts on the implications of rising sea levels for international law? Do you see potential solutions within existing frameworks, or is a complete overhaul necessary? Share your insights or related experiences as we navigate these complex challenges together!​

   Feel free to share your thoughts! Is there anything else you'd like to dive into regarding this topic?