Scientists are predicting a dramatic increase in sea levels on the U.S. west coast within the next 20 years. Photo: Shutterstock
Sea level rise isn’t really up for debate any longer. Climate change and melting ice caps are a reality, and no amount of steadfast, refusal based foot-stamping is going to change it. A few days ago, NASA scientists said that worldwide sea levels have risen nearly three inches since 1992–much faster than they initially anticipated.
Scientists say that the rise is the result of warming waters and melting ice. Two years ago, in 2013, a panel made of United Nations members predicted that by the end of this century, sea levels will rise anywhere from one to three feet. According to a geophysicist named Steven Nerem, who is based out of the University of Colorado, rising sea levels are getting worse–50 years ago, sea levels were rising, but today, they’re rising much faster.
“People need to understand that the planet is not only changing, it’s changed,” said NASA scientist Tom Wagner.
The rapidly rising levels, though, are not uniform like one would expect. While on average, sea levels around the globe are rising, there are a few places where they’re actually falling, such as along the west coast of the U.S., for instance. Other places, though, have seen a rise of nearly 10 inches.
According to PlanetArk.org and NASA, changing ocean currents and global ocean cycles are offsetting sea level increases in the Pacific–but not for long. Within the next 20 years, scientists are expecting a dramatic rise.
