Global mean sea level rise 1901-2018

Between 1901 and 2018, global mean sea levels increased by 0.20 meters. The average rate of sea level rise was 1.3 millimeters per year between 1901 and 1971. In contrast, this value increased to 3.7 millimeters per year between 2006 and 2018.

What causes the sea level to rise?

Global warming is the main reason behind sea level rise. As the global average temperature increases, glaciers and ice sheets worldwide melt – ice is lost faster than it can form. At the same time, the oceans also become warmer, causing a phenomenon known as the thermal expansion of seawater. Altogether, this leads to an increase in the oceans' volume, and hence the sea levels rise.

Effects of sea level rise

The drastic effects of sea level rise are experienced mainly by the population that lives along the coastlines. One of Asia's famous holiday destinations, Bangkok faces the highest threat to the people from rising sea levels. At the same time, rising sea level poses a threat to African cultural and natural heritage sites. As the effects vary over the regions, it is evident that increasing sea levels have a multi-dimensional impact.