Baselines and Sea-Level Rise

Rising sea levels pose a myriad of challenges to international law. The one intended to be addressed in this chapter is of the effect of sea-level rise on baselines. The question is framed as follows: whether the coastal State will be able to retain maritime zones based on its original baselines or would it have to claim maritime zones based on revised landward baselines? This question is addressed through four strands, each of which serves as a section for this chapter. First, the physical and legal consequences of sea-level rise. Second, the guiding framework that ought to inform a response. Third, the ongoing debate between the use of “ambulatory” or “fixed” baselines in response to sea-level rise. Fourth, whether the charted baseline or the actual line is to be preferred. Fifth, the emerging and rapidly consolidating state practice on the status of baselines in response to sea-level rise.