Global sea levels have been underestimated due to poor modelling, research suggests
Analysis shows average levels are 30cm higher than thought, and up to 150cm in south-east Asia and Indo-Pacific
TL;DR
- Global sea levels are, on average, 30cm higher than previously estimated, with some regions in the global south showing discrepancies of 100-150cm.
- Previous models often used land elevation measurements referenced against global geoid models, failing to account for local factors like winds, currents, temperature, and salinity.
- This underestimation means that 37% more coastal areas could fall below sea level after a 1-meter rise, affecting up to 132 million people.
- Scientists are concerned that inaccurate studies are referenced in major climate change reports, potentially skewing policy decisions.
- The study provides new data and calls for a re-evaluation of coastal hazard study methodologies.