Blind spot could force 132 million to flee rising sea levels

A new study warns of an interdisciplinary blind spot that could force 132 million people to flee rising sea levels, which could rise by up to 150 centimeters. Swedish oceanographer Ola Kalén at SMHI describes the acceleration of sea level rise since the 1960s as shocking.

A new study highlights an interdisciplinary blind spot that risks forcing 132 million people to flee due to rising sea levels. According to the research, sea levels could rise by up to 150 centimeters, threatening coastal areas worldwide.

Ola Kalén, oceanographer at SMHI, comments: 'Sea levels have accelerated since the 1960s. It is shocking how quickly it is going in the wrong direction.' The study emphasizes the lack of coordination between disciplines such as climate research and urban planning, which could worsen the effects of climate change.

Published on March 11, 2026, the report highlights how the acceleration of sea level rise has increased since the 1960s. It identifies countries particularly affected, with specific years mentioned for potential disasters in this context. Experts warn that without action, this could lead to mass displacement from flooded regions.

Related Articles

Baltic Sea with record-low water levels exposing vast seabed, stranded boats, and wind-swept scene amid hopes for ecological recovery.
Image generated by AI

Unusual weather pushes water out of Baltic Sea

Reported by AI Image generated by AI

Water volumes equivalent to almost two Lake Vänern have been pushed out of the Baltic Sea this year due to persistent easterly winds and high-pressure blocking. The record-low water levels offer some hope for the oxygen-depleted bottoms in the inland sea. Oceanographer Jörgen Öberg at SMHI warns, however, that improvements require many favorable steps.

A new analysis reveals that most studies on coastal vulnerability have underestimated current sea levels by an average of 24 to 27 centimetres because they overlooked key oceanographic factors. This methodological blind spot means that flooding and erosion risks will materialize sooner than previously projected, potentially affecting millions more people by 2100. Researchers from Wageningen University highlight the need for better integration of sea-level data in climate impact assessments.

Reported by AI

Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University have analyzed 30 years of data to show that global sea levels have risen by about 90 millimeters since 1993, with melting land ice now driving most of the increase. The study, using satellite laser ranging, indicates an average rise of 3.3 millimeters per year, a rate that is speeding up. Ocean mass from ice melt accounts for over 60 percent of the rise since 2005.

Following initial coverage of accelerated global glacier losses projected by ETH Zurich researchers, the full study—published December 15, 2025, in *Nature Climate Change*—reveals precise disappearance timelines for Earth's ~211,000 glaciers. Limiting warming to 1.5°C preserves ~100,000 by 2100 (versus 18,000 at 4°C), with 'Peak Glacier Extinction' hitting 2,000 glaciers lost in 2041 under low warming or 4,000 in 2055 at high levels.

Reported by AI

Global greenhouse gas emissions reached a new high in 2024, signaling the planet's approach to an environmental tipping point. Current coral bleaching events serve as a severe climate warning, amid ongoing rises in emissions despite scientific calls for reductions.

A climate impact assessment compiled by Japan's Environment Ministry warns that without urgent action on climate change, the quality and quantity of rice will decline and flooding will increase. The report scientifically analyzes the effects of global warming on daily life and industry, finding that 65 percent of 80 items across seven sectors will be significantly impacted, with 68 percent requiring particularly urgent measures.

Reported by AI

Building on recent studies like Stefan Rahmstorf et al.'s analysis showing a doubling of Earth's warming rate to ~0.36°C per decade since 2014, scientists disagree on whether reductions in aerosol pollution or natural fluctuations are driving the speedup. Nearly all agree warming has accelerated, but views differ on causes, rate, and future trajectory—with implications for climate sensitivity and adaptation.

 

 

 

This website uses cookies

We use cookies for analytics to improve our site. Read our privacy policy for more information.
Decline