Bad news for about 40% of humanity living near a coastal area.
A recent study shows that sea levels are rising faster than predicted by even the most pessimistic models of climate change.
Scientists from the University of Copenhagen and the Bjerknes Center for Climate Research in Norvegoa have developed a new mathematical model to calculate the sensitivity of sea level to rising temperatures. The study results were published Tuesday in the journal Ocean Science. You can read them here.
Sea level? High tide
The researchers' prediction is by no means rosy: if we are to stay in line with existing climate models and predictions, the study says, the global economy will need to further reduce carbon emissions.
By how much, exactly? Much. Another 200 billion metric tons are needed. "That's about five years of emissions. Five years beyond what we had already considered," says study co-author and Copenhagen geophysicist. Aslak Grinsted.
Wet socks
The new study says sea levels could rise by half a meter by the end of the century if temperatures soared only half a degree Celsius. At two degrees Celsius (a level of global warming which at this point is believed to be much more likely), sea level it could grow an entire meter.
The scenarios drawn up to now regarding sea level rise are too cautious.
It is necessary at all costs to review the models used, and above all to increase the methods and practices to reduce CO2 as much as possible.
