Rising Sea Levels: A Catastrophic Threat to Coastal Communities

Coastal communities are increasingly threatened by rising sea levels, which have surged at an unprecedented rate in the 20th century, Al Jazeera reported yesterday.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warns that nearly a billion people in low-lying areas face heightened risks of flooding, storm surges, and coastal erosion.

Since the early 20th century, global mean sea levels have risen by 160 to 210 millimeters (six to eight inches), primarily due to human-induced climate change. The World Meteorological Organization reported a record high in average sea levels last year, with current rates more than double those observed in the early satellite record.

Vulnerable regions include coastal areas in Bangladesh, China, and cities like New York and London. Small island nations, such as the Maldives and Tuvalu, may become uninhabitable by 2100.

Experts emphasize the urgent need to curb greenhouse gas emissions and invest in climate adaptation strategies to protect livelihoods and cultures in affected regions.