Satellites have been measuring sea levels around the world for over 30 years, providing a reliable comparison to early climate change forecasts. A study by Tulane University found that predictions made three decades ago about sea level rise were remarkably close to the actual increase since 1996. The research used earth observation data and revealed an accurate forecast of a nine-centimeter rise, compared to an initial estimate of eight centimeters.
The analysis is considered the “ultimate test” of climate change predictions, as it allows for a comparison between forecasts and actual events. This comparison has helped scientists better understand the acceleration of sea level rise in recent years. The research also highlights the importance of advanced satellite technology, which enabled precise measurements that had not been possible with earlier models.
The study’s lead author, Torbjörn Törnqvist, expressed surprise at how accurate the early predictions were, citing improved climate models as a key factor. The findings provide strong evidence for human involvement in climate change and raise concerns about catastrophic ice sheet collapses by the end of the century.
Source: https://www.heise.de/en/news/Climate-change-sea-level-rise-forecasts-surprisingly-accurate-10605756.html