NASA has announced that sea levels rose faster than expected last year, with the Earth experiencing its hottest year on record. According to a new study led by the US space agency, warming oceans and melting glaciers contributed to the accelerated rise. The study found that sea levels rose by 0.59cm (0.23 inches) per year in 2024, exceeding initial estimates of 0.43cm (0.17 inches) per year.
This increase is part of a global trend of rising sea levels over the past three decades. NASA notes that satellite recordings began in 1993 and show that the rate of sea level rise has more than doubled since then, with an average increase of 10cm (3.93 inches). Rising sea levels are largely attributed to human-induced climate change, which is causing oceans to warm and expand.
The study highlights the impact of increased water from melting ice sheets and glaciers, accounting for two-thirds of sea level rise. However, in 2024, thermal expansion of water due to warming contributed to the accelerated increase, making up about two-thirds of the rise.
The UN has warned of threats to people living on islands or along coastlines due to rising sea levels. Low-lying areas such as India, Bangladesh, China, and the Netherlands are at particular risk, as well as island nations in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/14/unexpected-rate-of-sea-level-rise-in-2024-nasa