Sea levels rose by 'unexpected' amount in 2024, reveals NASA
What's the story
NASA has reported an unexpected rise in global sea levels in 2024, the hottest year on record.
The US space agency attributed the rise to "an unusual amount of ocean warming, combined with meltwater from land-based ice such as glaciers."
According to NASA's analysis, which uses satellite imagery to monitor rising water levels, the world's seas rose by 0.23-inch (0.59cm) last year—exceeding the previously predicted rise of 0.17-inch (0.43cm).
Climate impact
Sea level rise linked to climate change
Josh Willis, a researcher at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, highlighted the continuing trend of rising sea levels.
He said, "Every year is a little bit different, but what's clear is that the ocean continues to rise, and the rate of rise is getting faster and faster."
This is closely tied to human-caused climate change and corresponds with the rise in Earth's average surface temperature due to greenhouse gas emissions.
Causes
Factors contributing to this scenario
NASA's data from 1993 to 2023 shows an average global sea level rise of four inches (10cm).
This increase is mainly attributed to two factors: the melting of glaciers and polar ice caps (which adds freshwater into oceans) and thermal expansion due to heat.
However, in 2024, these contributions flipped with two-thirds of the sea level rise coming from thermal expansion.
Warning
Future sea level rise poses threat to coastal populations
2024 was the warmest year on record since 1850.
As long as humanity continues to emit greenhouse gasses, sea levels will continue to rise.
This poses a major threat to large populations living on islands or along coastlines, underscoring the urgent need to act against climate change and its effects.