In their words: From across the world, leaders call for action on climate change at the UN

On Thursday in New York, the United Nations General Assembly approved its first declaration addressing sea-level rise. The development comes as global leaders from around the world convene to call for immediate action on climate change.

During the proceedings, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a prominent address, stating that the world cannot afford to "allow countries and cultures to vanish beneath the waves." According to the provided reports, this collective diplomatic action and statement are intended to shift the international approach and response to rising sea levels driven by climate change.