NASA has launched a global sea level change platform to help coastal communities prepare for the rising oceans disrupting livelihoods and infrastructure worldwide. Accessible through the Earth Information Center, the platform offers projections of sea level rise until 2150 and flood risks for the next 30 years, integrating data from ice sheets, ocean monitoring, and climate assessments.
Developed in collaboration with organizations like the World Bank, U.S. Department of Defense, and the United Nations, the tool aims to guide critical planning and adaptation strategies. “NASA innovates for humanity,” said Karen St. Germain, head of NASA’s Earth Science Division. “This data supports communities in addressing natural hazards and planning for resilience.”
Rising Faster Than Ever
NASA data shows sea levels have risen in 96% of coastal nations since 1970, with the rate doubling over the past three decades. This acceleration poses growing threats, from larger storm surges to saltwater intrusion and frequent high-tide floods.
Pacific Island nations are particularly vulnerable, with a projected 6-inch rise by 2050, potentially leading to a tenfold increase in high-tide flood days.
“This platform connects science to real-world impacts,” said Nadya Vinogradova Shiffer, director of NASA’s ocean physics program. “It’s crucial for planning and protecting lives.”
International organizations, including the World Bank and the UN, are using the data for climate risk assessments and disaster preparedness. NASA emphasizes that timely action and informed decisions are vital as sea levels rise at an unprecedented pace.