The world map seems to be changing slowly. Scientists note that the sea level is rising at this rate for the first time in 4 thousand years. This is nature's serious warning to humans.
Global warming, rapid melting of glaciers, and the expansion of ocean water are affecting the global water balance. According to scientific data, this process could put millions of people around the world at risk of flooding.
Scientists are warning
The results of a large study conducted by scientists from Rutgers University were published in the journal "Nature." They analyzed thousand-year-old geological layers - coral reefs, mangrove trees, and sand formations - and studied the historical dynamics of sea level.
It turns out that since 1900, the water level has risen by an average of 1.5 millimeters annually. This is the highest figure in human history.
The head of the study, Yuchen Lin, notes:
Why is the water rising?
Scientists point to two main reasons for this process:
Temperature increase. Every year, the atmosphere retains more heat. For this reason, the oceans are expanding and the volume of water is increasing.
The beginning of glacier melting. Especially the ice layers in the Arctic and Antarctica are melting at an unprecedented rate.
In the period from September 2023 to August 2024 alone, the Greenland ice sheet lost 80 billion tons of water.
If this process continues, scientists believe that if the Greenland glaciers completely melt, the global sea level could rise to 7.4 meters. This will submerge coastal cities with millions of inhabitants.
Coastal cities and economy at risk
Currently, the greatest danger lies on the Chinese coast. Scientists say that the consequences of rising sea levels in this country could be twice as severe as in others.
However, this is not just a Chinese problem - cities like New York, Manila, Jakarta, and Mumbai are also at risk.
Areas close to the sea are usually regions where agriculture, ports, and industrial centers are located. Therefore, even a few centimeters of water rise can lead to economic disaster.
Action is needed now to take action
Scientists emphasize that serious political will and scientific cooperation are needed to stop or slow down this process.
Measures such as reducing carbon emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, and strengthening coastal protection systems could be the last opportunity for humanity.
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