A new report from NASA reveals that global sea levels have risen at a rate 35% faster than expected in 2024, making it the hottest year on record for sea level rise. The acceleration of sea level rise is attributed to ocean warming and meltwater from land-based ice such as glaciers.
According to Josh Willis, a sea level researcher at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, “The rate of rise is getting faster and faster.” While global average sea levels rose by 0.23 inches in 2024, that was above the expected rate of 0.17 inches. Coastal communities in the U.S. have been experiencing accelerating rates of rise far higher than the global average.
Cities along the U.S. coastline are particularly vulnerable to sea level rise, with some seeing rises of up to 6 inches or more since 2010. Galveston, Texas has seen 8 inches of sea level rise over 14 years, while Jacksonville, Florida is expected to experience increased coastal flooding due to sea level rise and stronger storms.
Charleston, South Carolina has embarked on a plan to prepare for 1.5 feet of additional sea level rise by 2040 and 2.5 feet by 2060. Miami Beach’s highest natural elevation is just 4.4 feet, making it prone to flooding. Savannah, Georgia is also experiencing effects from sea level rise due to its location on the Savannah River.
The problem is expected to worsen over the next 25 years, with sea levels in Wilmington, North Carolina projected to experience 323 high-tide flooding days by 2100. As global temperatures continue to rise, it’s essential for cities and communities to prepare for the impacts of sea level rise.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/sea-levels-are-rising-faster-than-ever-heres-where-that-could-have-the-biggest-impact-211046965.html