Accelerating Sea Level Rise: A Climate Crisis in Progress

For 2,000 years, global sea levels remained relatively stable. That changed in the 20th century with a steady, accelerating rise. Satellite data reveals a 4-inch increase since 1993, with the rate more than doubling in the last 30 years. Human-caused global warming is the primary culprit, with oceans absorbing excess heat from fossil fuel combustion, causing expansion and ice sheet melting. Scientists project a 6-inch global average sea level rise by 2050, potentially exceeding 3 feet in the coming centuries. Coastal communities face severe consequences: increased flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion. While slow rises are adaptable, rapid increases pose immense challenges, particularly for low-lying island nations and coastal areas. The US Gulf Coast, especially Louisiana, is extremely vulnerable. The Trump administration's rollback of climate policies further exacerbates this crisis.