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.

Makala yanayohusiana

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.

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An international team led by the University of Portsmouth has cataloged more than 3,100 surging glaciers worldwide that can suddenly accelerate, triggering floods, avalanches and other hazards. These glaciers, concentrated in regions like the Arctic and Karakoram Mountains, affect nearly one-fifth of global glacier area despite comprising just 1 percent of all glaciers. Climate change is altering their behavior, increasing unpredictability.

Rivers worldwide are steadily losing dissolved oxygen, with climate change identified as the primary driver in a comprehensive new study. Nearly 80 percent of analyzed river systems have shown declines over four decades, hitting tropical regions hardest.

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A new modelling study indicates that a weakening Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation is causing the Gulf Stream to drift northwards, with satellite data showing a 50-kilometre shift over 30 years. Researchers suggest this gradual change could precede an abrupt move serving as an early warning for a potential AMOC collapse. Such a collapse might lead to drastic cooling in Europe, though timelines remain uncertain.

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