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Urgent Climate Action Needed to Curb Devastating Sea-Level Rise
24 Oct
Summary
- Emissions from 2020-2050 could commit world to 0.3m sea-level rise by 2300
- Decisive climate action could spare future generations 0.6m of sea-level rise
- Sea-level rise has irreversible, multi-century consequences for coastlines worldwide
According to a new study published in Nature Climate Change, the world is facing substantial and irreversible sea-level rise in the coming centuries due to climate change. The research reveals that emissions from 2020 to 2050 alone would commit the world to an additional 0.3 meters of sea-level rise by 2300, on top of what historical emissions until 2020 have already locked in.
However, the study also finds that decisive climate action taken now could spare future generations around 0.6 meters of sea-level rise that would otherwise reshape coastlines for centuries to come. If emissions continue on their current trajectory until 2090, the world would face a global rise of about 0.8 meters. But roughly 0.6 meters of this increase could still be avoided if immediate emissions reductions consistent with the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C pathway are implemented.
The lead author of the study, Alexander Nauels, warns that the difference between action and inaction is not just measured in degrees of warming, but also in meters of sea-level rise that will have profound, long-lasting impacts on coastal regions worldwide. Even the 30 centimeters of sea-level rise already locked in by historical emissions will require major adaptation efforts, such as raising dikes and flood barriers, which many vulnerable regions may not be able to afford.
