Rising sea levels are one of the most dramatic consequences of climate change, fueled by the melting of glaciers and ice sheets and the thermal expansion of seawater as it absorbs more heat. Human activities, like groundwater depletion, also add to the problem by contributing additional water to our oceans.

The Science Behind Rising Sea Levels
Since 1880, global sea levels have climbed by 21–24 cm (8–9 inches), with nearly half of that rise occurring in just the last 30 years. If greenhouse gas emissions continue at their current pace, the IPCC warns we could see a rise of up to 1.1 meters (3.6 feet) by 2100.
The ice sheets of Antarctica and Greenland are melting at an alarming rate—Antarctica loses 219 billion tons of ice every year, while Greenland contributes 280 billion tons annually, both significantly driving sea level rise (Nature, 2018). Meanwhile, the oceans are absorbing 90% of global warming, with thermal expansion responsible for up to half of the rising water levels.