Rising Sea Levels

Scientific Findings on Rising Sea Levels

Research shows that global sea levels have risen by 21–24 cm (8–9 inches) since 1880, with nearly half of that increase occurring in the past 30 years. The IPCC projects a rise of up to 1.1 meters (3.6 feet) by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions remain high.

Antarctica and Greenland are losing ice at alarming rates—Antarctica sheds 219 billion tons of ice annually, while Greenland loses 280 billion tons per year, directly contributing to sea level rise (Nature, 2018). Additionally, 90% of global warming is happening in the ocean, with thermal expansion accounting for up to half of the rising water levels. Watch NASA’s research on rising ocean heat here: