The increase in the water levels of the ocean across the world has been one of the most notable projections that scientists made regarding the effects of global warming. According to their models, the increase in water levels by the year 2100 would only be a maximum of a meter. However, new studies show that the increase by that time might be double the previous projection.
The melting of the ice caps in Antarctica and Greenland is accelerating. As the conditions in the area worsen, the increase in water levels also poses a potential danger to the communities living around the coastal areas. Though scientists have made their projections, it seems the rise in the water levels are moving faster than they expected.
The increase of the water levels in the ocean was one of the controversial issues raised by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) when they published their report back in 2013. They said that the continuous warming of the Earth, without much less effort to reduce emissions, would see an increase in the ocean water levels by as much as 98 cm by 2100.
Many experts believe that this estimate is still on the conservative side. Scientists that specialize in ice also expressed their concerns about the nature of the projection and the models that were used.
"In 2100, the melting of the ice sheet might contribute at least 178 cm increase in the ocean waters. But if you add up the melting glaciers and ice caps as well as the thermal expansion of the seas, more water will likely be added. The estimate at the moment is about 2 meters," said Prof. John Bamber of the University of Bristol.
The new study presented covered a broader range of factors. Its estimate is about 95% of what can be expected. According to the authors of the study, the scenario presented will have a huge impact on the planet and the survival of life.
"If there is a rise of 2 meters in the water levels, there are more than a million people who will be displaced all over the world," added Prof. Bamber.
While knowing what lies ahead and getting projections of water levels are essential and critical to many communities, especially those in the low-lying and coastal areas, much time for research and studies are pertinent to come up with a more accurate projection.
