In the following, an overview over recent sea level rise research is given as well as projections for future sea level rise in different global warming scenarios and probable consequences for regions affected.
Country leaders from all around the world came to Madrid in December 2019 for the United Nations Climate Change Conference to agree on a blueprint for limiting climate change. Contingent on the development of global warming global sea level will rise either less than one meter in a realistic best-case scenario or up to two meters in a high greenhouse gas future scenario by the end of the century. In the Paris Agreement the United Nations target a limitation of global surface temperature of under 2 degree Celsius (°C) or preferable an optimum of 1.5 °C relative to pre-industrial temperature among other things because sea level rise should be limited.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Recent development of global sea level rise
- Sea level rise since the beginning of the 20th century
- Global sea level rise in different global warming scenarios
- Impacts of sea level rise on coastal regions
- Consequences of sea level rise in combination with storms
- Future projections of sea level rise
- Future scenarios of sea level rise
- Future impacts of sea level rise
- Adaptation measures for sea level rise
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This text aims to provide an overview of recent research on global sea level rise, projecting future trends and outlining potential consequences for coastal regions. It discusses the role of climate change and human activities in driving sea level rise and examines the impact of these changes on coastal communities and ecosystems.
- Recent trends and projections of global sea level rise
- The contribution of different factors, such as ice sheet melt and thermal expansion of ocean water, to sea level rise
- The impact of sea level rise on coastal regions, including flooding, erosion, and displacement
- Adaptation measures for managing the risks posed by rising sea levels
- The importance of international cooperation and policy initiatives in addressing the challenges of sea level rise
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
This text explores the ongoing phenomenon of global sea level rise, offering a comprehensive analysis of its causes, current trends, and projected impacts. It begins by examining the historical record of sea level rise, highlighting the accelerating trend in recent decades. The text then delves into the specific contributions of various factors, including the melting of Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, as well as the thermal expansion of ocean water. This examination sheds light on the complex interplay of natural and anthropogenic forces driving sea level rise. The text proceeds to explore the multifaceted consequences of rising sea levels, encompassing the increased vulnerability of coastal communities to flooding and erosion, displacement of populations, and economic disruptions. It examines the potential impacts of sea level rise, both on its own and in conjunction with other environmental factors like storms. The text concludes by outlining future projections for sea level rise under different climate change scenarios and discussing potential adaptation measures for mitigating the associated risks.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The text focuses on global sea level rise, climate change, ice sheet melt, thermal expansion, coastal flooding, erosion, displacement, adaptation measures, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development.
How much is the sea level expected to rise by the end of the century?
Projections suggest a rise of less than one meter in a best-case scenario, but up to two meters in a high greenhouse gas future scenario.
What are the main causes of global sea level rise?
The primary drivers are the melting of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets and the thermal expansion of ocean water as it warms.
What was the goal of the Paris Agreement regarding sea levels?
The UN targets a limitation of global surface temperature rise to under 2°C (preferably 1.5°C) to limit the resulting sea level rise.
Which regions are most affected by rising sea levels?
Coastal regions are most vulnerable, facing risks of permanent flooding, increased erosion, and displacement of communities.
How do storms interact with sea level rise?
Rising sea levels amplify the impact of storm surges, making coastal flooding events more frequent and severe even during moderate storms.
What adaptation measures can be taken?
Measures include building coastal defenses, restoring ecosystems like mangroves, and planning for managed retreats from highly vulnerable areas.
