Even if global warming is limited to 1.5°C — the goal set by nearly 200 countries — rising seas will still pose a major threat to coastal communities for centuries, scientists say.
A new study published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment warns that keeping to the 1.5°C target should not be seen as “safe,” as melting ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica will continue far into the future.
Researchers reviewed recent studies on how ice sheets are behaving now and how they responded in the past. They found that during previous warm periods, sea levels were several metres higher than today, and current melt rates are increasing — especially in West Antarctica and Greenland.
Computer models also show that sea-level rise is unlikely to slow down, even if warming is kept below 1.5°C. Scientists warn this could push ice loss past irreversible tipping points, although the exact thresholds remain uncertain.
Around 230 million people live within one metre of today’s high tide lines. If sea-level rise hits 1 cm per year by the end of the century, experts say even wealthy countries will struggle to cope, and mass migration could follow.
Still, scientists stress that limiting warming remains vital. Every fraction of a degree avoided can slow the pace of sea-level rise and reduce long-term risks. “It’s not a reason to give up,” said lead author Prof Chris Stokes. “It’s a reason to act faster.”
Read next
12:01
Azerbaijan is facilitating the evacuation of foreign nationals from Iran, a process that has included private citizens and diplomatic staff. The assistance has involved providing transit for Kyrgyz citizens and, subsequently, the staff and families of the Kyrgyz Embassy in Tehran.
10:28
Morning Brief
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 15th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
09:50
U.S.
A massive manhunt involving state police and the FBI was in full force Saturday evening for a gunman who posed as a police officer before killing a senior Democratic state assemblywoman and her husband. Governor Tim Walz has described the attack as a "politically motivated assassination."
09:00
The UK is sending extra Royal Air Force jets to the Middle East to support potential crisis situations, Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed during his G7 trip to Canada.
08:00
Vietnam officially joined BRICS as its 10th partner country, announced the Brazilian Foreign Ministry.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment