Sea level rose 30 cm in the 21st century

Global sea levels could rise by about 30 cm in this century if the current trend continues, a new study warns.

Ice melting in Antarctica - one of the causes of sea level rise (Photo: TTO)

By using data from tide gauges around the world, Australian researchers have discovered sea level rise of about 19.5 cm from 1870-2004, with the fastest growth rate in 50 end of this period.

This finding is consistent with the projections published by the Global Climate Change Group (IPCC). In its third assessment report in 2001, IPCC forecast global average sea level to increase by 9-88 cm from 1990-2100.

The records also show that the sea level has been increasing. The average growth rate during the period from 1870-2004 was 1.44mm / year. If this upward trend continues, scientists warn the increase in the 21st century is 28-34cm.

Rising sea level increases flooding in some areas (Photo: TTO)

Dr. John Church, author of the study, said higher sea levels could severely affect some areas.'That means that floods will be increased in areas that are below sea level when storms overflow, which also means increasing coastal erosion and increasing flooding in island nations,' he said.

Climate scientists now agree that increasing greenhouse gas emissions such as CO2 is a major factor in increasing global temperatures. And this rise in temperature has led to rising sea levels.

Dr. Church said: 'We must reduce our emissions but must also admit that climate change is happening, and we must adapt to that.'