Is a 1m increase in global sea-level dangerous for society?
Hello everyone,
Global warming means that world-wide sea levels are on the rise. We often talk about slowing down climate change to prevent sea levels rising 1 meter above what they are currently, but what would a 1 meter rise mean for society? We asked 7 experts in oceanography, geography and ecology, “Is a 1m increase in global sea-levels dangerous for society?”, here is what they said…
EXPERT CONSENSUS
Is a 1m increase in global sea-level dangerous for society?
7 out of 7 experts say ‘Yes’
How much are sea levels rising?
Sea levels have been rising for many years, but their speed has accelerated from 2.2mm/year to 3.4mm/year in the last few decades. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration agency predicts that the global sea level will rise at least 0.3 meters above 2000 levels by 2100. They also estimate that if we reach a critical point of emissions which result in rapid ice sheet collapse, sea levels could be 2 meters higher in 2100 than 2000.
Why are sea levels rising?
Dr Martine Lizotte, an expert in oceanography from Laval University in Canada, says “Global sea-levels are rising as a consequence of ocean warming (thermal expansion), melting of the world’s major ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica and smaller glaciers on land, as well as a decrease in the amount of water held beneath the land and in reservoirs above the land.”
How will rising sea levels affect society?
The United Nations estimates that about 40% of the world’s population lives within 100 kilometres of the coast. Rising sea levels will affect these people most dramatically, but those living more inland will also feel knock-on effects.
Dr Lizotte says “Rising sea-levels will affect societies in different ways depending on where they live, with land topography and elevation being at the centre of the preoccupations.” She goes on to say that those living by the coast near sea level are particularly vulnerable to “flooding, storm surges, and contamination by salty waters of underground stores of fresh water for drinking and agricultural crops in coastal farming regions. Costs associated with the relocation of millions of people living near shorelines are astronomical. As such, adaptation strategies may include flood barriers to protect critical infrastructure (levees, dikes, seawalls), and floodproofing by elevating critical equipment and foundation systems.”
Dr Megan Cook, a biologist from Nautilus Live, agrees, adding that “Even a small increase can have devastating effects on coastal habitats and communities through destructive erosion, wetland flooding, freshwater and agricultural soil contamination with salt, and lost habitat for fish, birds, and plants.”
Dr Mark Schuerch, an expert in geography from Lincoln University in the UK, says “Sea-level rise impacts around the world will depend on the ability of societies to adapt. Lower-income countries will be most affected by global sea-level rise. The danger of a 1-m sea level originates from water level setup during storm events, such as hurricanes. Storms that are dangerous already will reach further inland and be more dangerous to larger populations.”
What effects have rising sea level already had?
Professor Jessica Meeuwig, an expert in ecology and marine science from Western Australia University, says “Pacific islanders are already contemplating leaving their homes as rising sea levels erode their shorelines. With rising sea-levels, we’ll see more flooding and erosion or our coastlines generally. Insurance companies are also already reconsidering how and to what degree they ensure properties in at risk areas.”
The takeaway:
A 1m increase in global sea-levels would be dangerous for society
May the facts be with you!
Eva
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