Rising sea levels Archives

Feb212025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Glaciers Lost 6.54 Trillion Tonnes of Ice Since 2000, Driving Sea-Level Rise

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment, Fact Check

Between 2000 and 2023, glaciers lost an estimated 273 billion tonnes of ice annually, making them the second-largest contributor to rising sea levels, according to a new study published in Nature. The total global ice loss during this period reached 6.54 trillion tonnes, raising sea levels by 18 millimeters (mm) and contributing 0.75 mm of sea-level rise per year. The study revealed that ice loss accelerated by 36% in the second half of the study period (2012-2023) compared to the first half. Recent years saw the most severe losses, with the 2019-2023 period witnessing annual ice loss exceeding 400 gigatonnes per year (Gt/yr), including a record 548 Gt/yr in 2023. “This underscores the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s call for urgent action to cut greenhouse gas emissions ...

Jan222025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Ghana’s Coastal Erosion Crisis Threatens Communities and Heritage

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

The relentless advance of the sea along Ghana’s coast has not only erased significant portions of its landscape but also consumed key historical sites, leaving communities and livelihoods in jeopardy. Among the losses is the UNESCO World Heritage site once used to hold enslaved Africans during the transatlantic slave trade. Today, only remnants of the fort remain, with 90% of its structure swallowed by the ocean. “In 1907, the erosion started,” recalls James Ocloo Akorli, a historian and caretaker of the fort's remains. “First, it was the coconut trees. Then, the houses went. By 1980, when it was still being used as a prison, the damage was already severe.” The fate of Fort Kongestein in Ada Foah, built in 1783 and integral to the European slave trade, echoes this story. It has been ...

Jan202025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Unraveling the ‘Ice-Ocean Boundary Layer’ to Predict Sea Level Rise

Breaking News, Learning & Developments

Scientists are making significant progress in deciphering the intricate relationship between the Antarctic ice sheet and the Southern Ocean, a dynamic that plays a crucial role in driving global sea level changes. Recent research highlights how small-scale oceanic processes, often occurring at the microscopic level, influence the melting of massive ice structures. Despite Antarctica’s vast ice reserves, the factors determining its stability are highly localized, presenting significant challenges in measurement and modeling. To overcome this, researchers are turning to advanced tools like autonomous underwater vehicles and cutting-edge computer simulations. These technologies are uncovering critical details about how ocean water interacts with the ice, offering new insights into previous...

Nov152024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

NASA Unveils Sea Level Data to Support Coastal Communities

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Idea & Innovations, Tech

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...

Aug262024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Unprecedented Winter Heatwave in Australia: A Stark Reminder of Climate Change

Breaking News, Climate Actions

Australia has experienced hot temperatures well above historical averages. Over the past weekend in Australia, large parts of the country saw record-breaking heat, raising concerns about the ongoing impact of climate change. In South Australia's outback town of Oodnadatta, temperatures soared to 38.5°C on Friday and an even hotter 39.4°C on Saturday about 16°C above average for this time of year. These temperatures shattered previous winter records for the state. Similar heatwaves were recorded across Australia, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting that the trend will continue into the coming week. A persistent high-pressure system over eastern Australia and the Tasman Sea is the main driver behind this unusual heatwave. This system has kept skies clear and brought northerly wi...

Aug192024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Antarctica’s Post-Glacial Uplift: A Double-Edged Sword for Future Sea Level Rise

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

Antarctica, long regarded as a frozen behemoth, is shedding its icy weight, leading to a phenomenon known as post-glacial uplift. This process, where the land rises as the ice melts, is now recognized as a key factor that could dramatically alter projections of future global sea level rise. As the Antarctic ice sheet melts, the weight pressing down on the continent reduces, allowing the land to rise—similar to a sponge expanding after being compressed. This process, called post-glacial uplift, is happening much faster than previously thought. Recent research suggests that this land rebound could either mitigate or exacerbate Antarctica’s contribution to global sea level rise, depending on future fossil fuel emissions. Impact on Global Sea Levels Glaciologists Natalya Gomez from Mc...