Sea level rise is one of the clearest and most persistent consequences of human caused climate change. As global temperatures increase, oceans expand from the heat while melting glaciers and ice sheets add even more water to the seas. Scientists say the process is extremely difficult to stop and will continue far into the future.
Now, an international team of climate researchers says it has fully explained the causes behind global sea level rise over the past six decades, solving a long standing problem that had complicated scientists' understanding of one of climate change's most serious threats.
Sea Level Rise Is Accelerating
According to the new study, published in Science Advances, global sea levels have risen at an average rate of 2.06 millimeters per year since 1960. But the pace has increased dramatically in recent decades, reaching 3.94 millimeters per year between 2005 and 2023.
Researchers found that warming oceans are the largest contributor, responsible for 43% of the increase. As seawater heats up, it expands and occupies more space, pushing sea levels higher around the world.
