Sea-level rise

Definition

Sea-level rise refers to the increase in the average level of the world's oceans due to factors like melting ice sheets and glaciers, as well as the thermal expansion of seawater as it warms. This phenomenon poses significant risks to coastal communities and ecosystems, often leading to environmental migration and population displacement as people are forced to leave their homes due to flooding and loss of land.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Globally, sea levels have risen by about 8 to 9 inches since the late 19th century, with projections estimating an increase of 1 to 4 feet by 2100 depending on greenhouse gas emission scenarios.
2. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise, with low-lying regions facing increased flooding during storms and high tides.
3. Countries with extensive coastlines, such as Bangladesh and the Maldives, are at risk of losing significant land area, which may lead to mass migrations and humanitarian crises.
4. Sea-level rise can also result in the salinization of freshwater resources, impacting drinking water supplies and agriculture in coastal communities.
5. In addition to environmental impacts, sea-level rise poses economic challenges as infrastructure must be adapted or relocated, leading to significant costs for governments and communities.

Review Questions

• How does sea-level rise relate to environmental migration and displacement?
  • Sea-level rise directly contributes to environmental migration as coastal communities face increased flooding and loss of land. When rising waters submerge homes or make areas uninhabitable, people are forced to relocate, often resulting in significant population displacement. This migration can strain resources in receiving areas and lead to conflicts over land use and settlement, illustrating the interconnectedness between climate change impacts and human mobility.
• Evaluate the economic implications of sea-level rise for coastal cities facing population displacement.
  • Coastal cities impacted by sea-level rise face significant economic challenges as they need to invest heavily in infrastructure adaptations or relocations. The costs associated with rebuilding homes, improving drainage systems, or creating barriers against flooding can strain local budgets. Moreover, population displacement can disrupt local economies, decrease property values, and lead to loss of jobs in affected areas, creating a cycle of economic hardship that exacerbates the situation for both displaced individuals and the communities they leave.
• Synthesize the environmental, social, and political factors that contribute to the challenges posed by sea-level rise and its impact on global populations.
  • The challenges posed by sea-level rise are multifaceted, encompassing environmental degradation from climate change, social issues stemming from displacement, and political factors related to resource management. Environmental factors include not just rising waters but also related issues like coastal erosion and ecosystem loss. Socially, affected populations often experience trauma from displacement and struggle with integration into new communities. Politically, governments must navigate complex decisions regarding funding for protective measures versus relocation efforts while balancing the needs of existing residents with those who have been displaced. This interplay highlights how interconnected these challenges are on a global scale.

Related terms

climate change:

A long-term change in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place, primarily caused by human activities that increase greenhouse gas emissions.

displacement: The forced movement of people from their home or homeland, often due to environmental factors such as natural disasters or climate-related changes.

coastal erosion: The process by which coastlines are eroded and reshaped by wave action, currents, tides, and human activity, often exacerbated by rising sea levels.