As the Earth's climate continues to change at an unprecedented rate, scientists are sounding the alarm about the potentially catastrophic impacts of rising temperatures and sea levels. In recent years, we have seen a steady increase in the average global temperature, with many regions experiencing extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and the loss of critical ecosystems.
One of the most concerning consequences of rising temperatures is the melting of the Earth's ice caps and glaciers, which is causing sea levels to rise at an accelerated rate. According to the latest estimates from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), sea levels could rise by anywhere from 0.3 to 2.5 feet (0.09 to 0.77 meters) by the end of the century, depending on how much action is taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
This has significant implications for low-lying areas and coastal cities around the world, many of which are already experiencing the effects of sea-level rise. From Miami to Mumbai, millions of people are at risk of flooding, erosion, and displacement as sea levels continue to rise. As the global community grapples with the urgent need to address the root causes of climate change, it is crucial that we understand the impacts of rising temperatures and sea levels and take action to mitigate their worst effects.
The effects of rising temperatures and sea levels are already being felt around the world. In some regions, extreme heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, leading to droughts, wildfires, and crop failures. In others, sea levels are rising, causing coastal flooding, erosion, and damage to infrastructure. These impacts are not only causing significant economic losses but are also threatening the health and wellbeing of millions of people.
The average global temperature has increased by about 1.1 degrees Celsius (2 degrees Fahrenheit) since the pre-industrial era.
2020 was one of the three warmest years on record, with the global temperature being 1.2 degrees Celsius (2.2 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels.
The Arctic has been warming at a rate of two to three times faster than the global average, leading to significant ice loss and permafrost thaw.
Sea levels have risen by an average of about 8 inches (20 centimeters) since 1880, with the rate of sea-level rise accelerating in recent decades.
The IPCC projects that sea levels could rise by anywhere from 0.3 to 2.5 feet (0.09 to 0.77 meters) by the end of the century, depending on future greenhouse gas emissions.
Also, extreme sea-level events that used to occur once per century could occur every year by mid-century in many regions.
Some island nations and low-lying coastal areas are already experiencing the impacts of sea-level rise, with some communities having to relocate due to flooding and erosion.
According to NASA, the last decade from 2011 to 2020 was the warmest decade on record, with each year being among the top 10 warmest years on record. This trend is expected to continue unless significant action is taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Blanca Begert, an environmental journalist at Grist, shared her perspective on the issue of global warming and discussed the persistent trend of increasing temperatures in recent times.
She said rising temperatures have become one of the most pressing issues facing our planet, and the average global temperature has increased by about 1.1 degrees Celsius (2 degrees Fahrenheit) since the pre-industrial era, with 2020 being one of the three warmest years on record.
“This warming trend is largely driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation and agriculture.”
Begert said one of the most concerning impacts of rising temperatures is the melting of ice caps and glaciers in the Arctic and Antarctic region. This melting not only contributes to rising sea levels but also has profound impacts on the Earth's ecosystems, including the loss of habitats for wildlife and changes in the timing of seasonal events such as bird migrations and plant flowering.
“Rising temperatures also exacerbate extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires,” She said. “In recent years, we have seen the devastating impacts of these events in many parts of the world, including in California, Australia and the Amazon rainforest.”
She added these events not only pose a significant threat to human life and infrastructure but also have long-term impacts on ecosystems and the global economy.
“Addressing the root causes of rising temperatures is crucial if we hope to avoid the worst impacts of climate change,” Begert said. “This means reducing greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning to renewable energy sources, promoting sustainable land use practices, and implementing policies that prioritize climate action.”
She said by taking action now, humans can help ensure a more stable and sustainable future for generations to come.
Because the country names also cover the areas' names, the top ten list shows Europe and some European countries.
It also has been illustrated that Europe is affected mostly by climate change with its neighbour Russian Federation.
And not surprisingly, all countries on the list are industrialized countries, excluding 'Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands.'
This area is top of the list, and near Europe and Russia, also it is the arctic area, its natural life is in danger because of this reason.
As the world grapples with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, another global crisis continues to loom large: climate change. The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has sounded the alarm on the urgent need to take action to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
According to the report, global temperatures are already 1.1 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and we are on track to exceed the 1.5-degree threshold in the coming decades without significant action. This could have devastating consequences, including more frequent and severe heatwaves, droughts, and floods, as well as the loss of crucial ecosystems such as coral reefs and Arctic sea ice.
The report also highlights the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities such as indigenous peoples, low-income households, and small island nations. These communities often have limited resources to adapt to the impacts of climate change, and are therefore at greater risk of displacement, food and water shortages, and other hardships.
Despite the sobering findings of the report, there is still reason for hope. The report outlines a range of actions that can be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming, including transitioning to renewable energy sources, promoting sustainable land use practices, and investing in low-carbon transportation and infrastructure.
Many countries and organizations have already taken steps towards these goals, including the United States rejoining the Paris Agreement, the European Union committing to net-zero emissions by 2050, and major corporations pledging to reduce their carbon footprint.
Mean Temperature Change of Meteorological Year
2016 had hottest record
1.8
Mean Temperature Change
1.6
1.4
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
Year
0.0
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2025
− 0.2
− 0.4
Source: FAO Temperature Change • Graphic by Zhaozhou Dai
“In addition to the impacts on coastal communities, rising sea levels also have significant implications for global biodiversity and ecosystems,” said Emily Hopkins.
Hopkins of Boston, an environmental data reporter who is affiliated with ProPublica, has weighed in on the topic of sea level rise, offering their insights on the matter.
“As sea levels rise, saltwater intrusion can impact freshwater ecosystems and harm biodiversity in coastal wetlands and estuaries,” Hopkins said. “Coral reefs are also at risk, as they are highly sensitive to changes in sea level and temperature.”
“The loss of these ecosystems can have ripple effects throughout the food chain and further exacerbate the impacts of climate change.”
Hopkins said the NOAA report underscores the need for urgent and coordinated action to address the root causes of rising sea levels, and it includes both mitigation efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation measures to help communities prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change.
“It is also important to ensure that vulnerable communities, particularly those in low-lying areas and small island nations, have access to the resources and support they need to adapt to the changing climate,” they said.
While the situation may seem dire, there is reason for hope. The recent COP26 climate summit saw many countries and organizations committing to ambitious climate goals and pledging to take action to address the root causes of climate change.
They said it includes investments in renewable energy, forest conservation, and other climate-friendly practices.
“Many communities and organizations have already taken steps towards these goals, including implementing coastal protection measures, promoting renewable energy, and reducing carbon footprints,” Hopkins said. “However, more needs to be done to ensure that vulnerable communities are protected from the impacts of rising sea levels.”
Hopkins said sea level change refers to the rise or fall of the average height of the ocean's surface over time.
“The average global sea level has been increasing at a rate of around 3.3 millimeters per year over the last two decades, which is significantly higher than the average rate of sea level rises over the past few thousand years,” Hopkins said.
Several factors contribute to changes in sea level. One of the main factors is thermal expansion, which occurs when seawater warms up and expands in volume. This causes the sea level to rise. Another major factor is the melting of land-based ice sheets and glaciers, which adds more water to the ocean and raises the sea level. Additionally, changes in ocean currents, winds, and atmospheric pressure can also affect sea levels.
“Sea level change can significantly impact coastal regions, as rising seas can cause flooding, erosion, and damage to infrastructure.”
“It can also affect marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of people who rely on the ocean for food and resources,” Hopkins said.
Hopkins said in addition to human-caused climate change, sea level change can also be influenced by natural factors such as tectonic activity, which can cause the land to rise or sink relative to sea level.
“Changes in the Earth's orbit and tilt, which can affect the distribution of sunlight and the amount of heat absorbed by the planet,” they said.
They said there is also significant regional variation in sea level change, with some areas experiencing greater rates of sea level rise than others.
“The reason is due to various factors, including differences in ocean currents, temperature, and salinity, as well as local changes in land elevation and subsidence,” Hopkins said.
Legend
As global temperatures continue to rise, the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly visible in some of the world's most remote and vulnerable ecosystems. In the Arctic, the melting of glaciers and sea ice is leading to rising sea levels and impacting the survival of iconic species like the polar bear.
A recent study published in the journal Nature Climate Change has found that the rate of glacier melt in the Arctic is accelerating, with the loss of ice from Greenland's glaciers alone contributing to an estimated 13.7 millimeters of sea level rise since 1972. This is a concerning trend, as rising sea levels can lead to coastal erosion, flooding, and other impacts on human and natural systems.
The melting of glaciers and sea ice is also having a significant impact on Arctic wildlife, including the polar bear. These animals depend on sea ice for hunting and breeding, and as the ice continues to melt, their habitat is shrinking. The loss of sea ice also increases the risk of polar bears coming into contact with humans, as they may be forced to travel further in search of food.
The situation is particularly dire in the Beaufort Sea, where a recent study has found that polar bears are experiencing "significant declines" due to the loss of sea ice.
Global Land and Ocean Temperature Anomalies from 1850 to 2022
The study highlights the urgent need for action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow the rate of climate change, in order to protect vulnerable species like the polar bear and preserve the unique ecosystems of the Arctic.
While the challenges are significant, there is hope for the future. Many countries and organizations are taking steps to address the root causes of climate change, including investing in renewable energy and promoting sustainable land use practices.
The recent COP26 climate summit in Glasgow brought together leaders from around the world to discuss and coordinate efforts to address the ongoing crisis of climate change.
With continued global cooperation and a commitment to bold action, we can work towards a more sustainable future and protect the fragile ecosystems and wildlife that depend on it.
Sea level change can have significant impacts on coastal regions, as rising seas can cause flooding, erosion, and damage to infrastructure. It can also affect marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of people who rely on the ocean for food and resources.
Impacts of Different Degrees of Global
Warming by Year 2100
200
Red ringsshow number
ofglaciers from 2015
Sea level rise (mm)
150
to belostby 2100
83±7% loss,sea levels: 150mm
4 °C global warming
100
49±9% glacier mass loss,sea levels: 100mm
1.5 °C global warming
50
0
2015
60%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
Global glacier mass loss from 2015 to 2100
Source: FAO Temperature Change • Graphic by Zhaozhou Dai
Impacts of Different Degrees of Global
Warming by Year 2100
200
Red ringsshow number
ofglaciers from 2015
Sea level rise (mm)
150
to belostby 2100
83±7% glacier loss,sea levels: 150mm
4 °C global warming
100
49±9% glacier mass loss,sea levels: 100mm
1.5 °C global warming
50
0
2015
60%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
Global glacier mass loss from 2015 to 2100
Source: FAO Temperature Change • Graphic by Zhaozhou Dai
Impacts of Different Degrees of Global
Warming by Year 2100
200
Red ringsshow number
ofglaciers from 2015
Sea level rise (mm)
150
to belostby 2100
83±7% loss,sea levels: 150mm
4 °C global warming
100
49±9% glacier mass loss,sea levels: 100mm
1.5 °C global warming
50
0
2015
60%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
Global glacier mass loss from 2015 to 2100
Source: FAO Temperature Change • Graphic by Zhaozhou Dai
There are various projections for how much the planet will warm by 2100, depending on different scenarios and assumptions about future emissions.
These projections are typically based on climate models that simulate how the Earth's climate system will respond to different levels of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.
The impacts of global warming will be far-reaching, affecting various aspects of the Earth's systems, including glaciers. Glaciers are large masses of ice that form on land and are a vital source of freshwater for many communities worldwide.
If global warming continues at the current rate, the IPCC predicts that most glaciers will shrink significantly or disappear entirely by the end of the century. The loss of glaciers will profoundly impact freshwater availability, river flows, and agriculture in many regions.
Based on the data presented in the graph on the right, there is projected to be a 30% decline in global glacier mass from 2015 to 2045, accompanied by a 1.5°C increase in global warming temperature and a rise in sea levels of around 100mm.
The data indicates that by 2055, the global warming temperature is expected to increase by 4°C. However, the more significant impacts will be a 45% loss in global glacier mass and a rise in sea levels of around 150mm.
These trends underscore the urgency of taking immediate action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and limit the effects of global warming.
Glacier melting is already having significant impacts on ecosystems and communities around the world. For example, the melting of the Greenland ice sheet is causing rising sea levels, leading to flooding in low-lying areas. In addition, the melting of glaciers in the Himalayas is threatening the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on them for water and irrigation.
In order to mitigate the impacts of global warming on glaciers and other systems, humans should reduce greenhouse gas emissions and shift towards renewable energy sources.
If the planet warms by 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, as targeted by the Paris Agreement, the impacts will still be significant but relatively manageable compared to more severe levels of warming. However, if emissions continue to rise and the planet warms by 2 degrees Celsius, the impacts will be much more severe, with potentially catastrophic consequences for human societies and ecosystems.
Scientists and researchers continue to study sea level change and its impacts in order to better understand and mitigate its effects.
The Earth's climate is rapidly changing, and two of the most noticeable consequences are rising temperatures and sea levels. Climate scientists have been studying these trends for decades, and the evidence is clear: the Earth's average temperature is increasing, and sea levels are rising at an accelerating rate.
The planet's warming is due to natural and human factors, including greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and other industrial activities. As temperatures rise, glaciers and ice caps around the world are melting, causing sea levels to rise. The oceans are also expanding as they warm, contributing to the overall rise in sea level.
Sea level rise is particularly concerning because it can severely impact coastal communities and infrastructure. Higher sea levels mean more frequent and severe flooding, erosion, and storm surges. Low-lying islands and coastal cities are particularly vulnerable to these impacts, and many are already experiencing the effects of sea level rise.
“In order to address these challenges, we must take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a more sustainable economy, and this will require significant changes in our energy systems, transportation, and land use practices,” Begert said.
She said people must also take steps to adapt to the impacts of climate change that are already happening, such as building seawalls and relocating vulnerable communities.
“Rising temperatures and sea levels are two of climate change's most visible and concerning consequence,” Begert said. “The evidence is clear that human activities cause these trends, and urgent action is needed to address them.”
She said by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change, humans should protect their planet and ensure a more sustainable future for generations to come.
