Since 1880, the global mean sea level has risen by around 8-9 inches (21-24 cm). While this may appear to be an acceptable number, the implications are terrible and clear. So you might be wondering how we got to this position. What is the cause of sea-level rise? The main cause of sea level rise is a combination of melt water from ice sheets and glaciers, as well as thermal expansion of water.
The effects of it are equally as devastating. Global sea-level rise poses a major threat to coastal life. A quote showing this would be “Waves, swell, and surge can destroy shoreline defenses and erode coastlines.” by NASA. Increased storm surge intensity, floods, and coastal damage are just some of the consequences. In many situations, this is where large population centers, as well as delicate wildlife habitats, are located. As a result, people may be displaced and forced to seek safer shelter. Rising oceans can poison soil and groundwater, threatening life even further inland. It is difficult to predict how high sea levels will rise. However, it is a concern that must be closely watched in order for coastal areas to prepare for the repercussions.
Rising seas that flood cities and coastal infrastructure could cost the world more than 4% of the global economy each year by 2100, a new study finds, unless urgent action is taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as prepare for such climate change impacts. The worst-case scenario, which anticipates massive melting of polar ice, may cost trillions of dollars. That's "not peanuts," according to Thomas Schinko, a climate economist and deputy director of the Risk and Resilience program at Vienna's International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis. "This would lead to a completely different world." Given the risks, it's difficult to see people making no attempt to adapt to a world with increased flooding and coastal erosion, according to Schinko. As a result, the worst-case scenario is "not a very realistic scenario." But, regardless of whether the 4% worldwide loss occurs, he believes the startling figure should show policymakers what could happen if they do not act quickly.
According to the report, if countries reduce greenhouse gas emissions enough to keep global temperatures from rising more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre industrial levels but do nothing else to prepare for rising seas, the costs will be more than 3% of global GDP each year by 2100.
Experts say that sea level rise is an irreversible change, however there are ways that we can reduce sea level rise or prevent it. The first way to reduce sea level rise is to reduce your footprint. Greenhouse gasses are a major contribution to sea level rise. Another way you can reduce sea level rise is to plant more trees. Plants purify the air and absorb rain. Reduce your use of paper to help save trees. Set all computers and printers to print double-sided and save one-sided copies for scrap paper.
Author: Sedra Ismael
Sources:
https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/climate-change-global-sea-level#:~:text=First%2C%20glaciers%20and%20ice%20sheets,reservoirs%2C%20rivers%2C%20soil%20moisture.
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