health
March 4, 2026
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.
Continue reading the original article