Current Rate of Sea Level Rise Unprecedented in 2800 Years

A research group states that the current rate of sea level rise is unprecedented in the last 2800 years. According to the Associated Press, an international team of scientists conducted research on the rising and falling sea levels at various points around the globe over centuries and millennia. Until the 1880s and the onset of industrialization, the fastest rate of sea level rise was about 1 to 1.5 inches (3 to 4 centimeters) per century, with the global sea level not varying much more than 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) from the average 2000 years prior. However, in the 20th century, sea levels rose by 5.5 inches (14 centimeters). Since 1993, the growth rate has increased to one foot (30 centimeters) per century. Results from two other studies indicate that ocean levels could rise between 11 to 52 inches (28 to 131 centimeters) by 2100, depending on the amount of greenhouse gases produced by industries and vehicles. Bob Kopp, a professor of Earth sciences and head of the sea level change research over the past three millennia, states, 'There is no doubt that the 20th century is the fastest century because global temperatures rose due to fossil fuel use.' These scientists traveled to salt marshes and coastal areas around the world to find evidence of past sea level changes. Kopp and his colleagues mapped the rise in sea levels over the centuries, going back 3000 years. Their findings showed that sea levels were declining until the onset of the industrial era. This research indicates that the rise in sea levels during the 20th century was mainly due to human factors. Another study by these scientists shows that since 1950, about two-thirds of coastal flooding in 27 locations in the U.S. has been caused by climate change due to human activities. If sea level rise continues as predicted, an increase of 18 inches (46 centimeters), especially during storm surges, will create significant problems and costs. If greenhouse gas emissions continue to grow at the current rate, an increase of about 22 to 52 inches (57 to 131 centimeters) is expected. If countries adhere to their commitments under last year's Paris Agreement and limit temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius, sea level rise will be in the range of 11 to 22 inches (28 to 56 centimeters).