Sea-level rise is increasingly recognized as a pressing health crisis with immediate impacts on communities, particularly in low-lying coastal areas and small island states. As saltwater intrudes into freshwater supplies and floods disrupt sanitation systems, public health deteriorates, leading to the spread of diseases and nutritional deficiencies. The Lancet Commission on Sea-Level Rise, Health and Justice aims to explore the inseparable links between health, justice, and climate impacts, advocating for accountability from polluters. Indigenous communities, who often contribute least to climate change, face profound losses related to their land and identity. The International Court of Justice's advisory opinion last June underscored the obligation of states to ensure a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, marking a significant step toward holding polluters accountable. Local initiatives, like those led by climate activists in Vanuatu, demonstrate resilience and community building in the face of these challenges. As the world shifts toward renewable energy, there is hope for a more sustainable future, emphasizing that health, justice, and climate stability must be prioritized together.