Sea levels in some parts of the global south could be up to 1 meter higher than previously assumed, according to the study. The researchers published their findings in the journal Nature and warned that this may require a reconsideration of the methods used to assess coastal impacts. Such assessments directly affect climate policies, financing decisions and adaptation plans for coastal areas.
The issue of sea level rise has been discussed extensively in recent years. This study is not the first published on the subject. Previous studies have also pointed out the risk of increase; However, new findings reveal that this danger is even more evident.
Bill Hare, Executive Director of Climate Analytics, evaluated the research as follows:
“This study is innovative and robust scientific research that is the product of years of preparation. It shows that most previous assessments based on satellite data have likely systematically underestimated exposure to serious risks from sea level rise and how rapidly these risks will increase in the future.”
According to the research, the population that will be most affected lives in the global south. The study reveals that assumed sea levels remain below actual measurements in some countries, especially in the Pacific.
According to researchers, Germany and Northwest Europe are among the regions that will be least affected on a global scale. Hare stated that with the new conditions, some regions may face greater fragility and adaptation costs and said:
“Under these new circumstances, countries will likely face higher costs to adapt and mitigate the impact of disasters.”
The study recommends the application of new methodologies in line with the findings. However, the authors of the study also emphasize that this does not mean that the studies examined are flawed and that they do not advocate that previous scientific knowledge should be considered invalid.
Matt Palmer, a researcher at the UK Met Office Hadley Center and a lecturer at the University of Bristol, made the following assessment, noting that sea level may be underestimated by up to 1 meter, especially in the global south:
“Large coastal populations in these areas live with the threats posed by extreme waves and high tides.”
