Scientists have estimated that sea levels in the USA could rise by as much as 30cm (12in) by 2050, leading to increased coastal flooding, even in the absence of heavy rain or storms.
The NOAA-led Sea Level Rise Technical Report provides the most up-to-date sea level rise projections for all US states and territories by decade for the next 100 years and beyond, based on a combination of tide gauge and satellite observations, as well as model ensembles from the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
The report projects sea levels along the coastline will rise an additional 25-30cm (10-12in) by 2050, with specific amounts varying regionally, mainly due to land height changes.
The report updates the federal government’s 2017 sea level rise projections, and provides additional information on tide, wind, and storm-driven extreme water levels affecting current and future coastal flood risk.
A suite of federal tools use the data, including the NOAA Sea Level Rise Viewer, which is critical to the administration’s commitment to tackle the climate crisis by making actionable climate data accessible to those who need it.
Gina M Raimondo, US secretary of commerce, said, “For businesses along the coast, knowing what to expect and how to plan for the future is critical. These updated projections will help businesses, and the communities they support, understand risks and make smart investments in the years ahead.”
Gina McCarthy, US national climate advisor, added, “This new data on sea rise is the latest reconfirmation that our climate crisis, as the President has said, is blinking ‘code red’. We must redouble our efforts to cut the greenhouse gases that cause climate change while, at the same time, help our coastal communities become more resilient in the face of rising seas.”
Rick Spinrad, NOAA administrator, commented, “This is a global wake-up call and gives Americans the information needed to act now to best position ourselves for the future. As we build a Climate Ready Nation, these updated data can inform coastal communities and others about current and future vulnerabilities in the face of climate change and help them make smart decisions to keep people and property safe over the long run.”
The report also finds that the sea level rise expected by 2050 will create a profound increase in the frequency of coastal flooding, even in the absence of storms or heavy rainfall.
Nicole LeBoeuf, national ocean service director, NOAA, said, “By 2050, moderate flooding, which is typically disruptive and damaging by today’s weather, sea level and infrastructure standards, is expected to occur more than 10 times as often as it does today. These numbers mean a change from a single event every 2-5 years to multiple events each year, in some places.”
Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator, added, “This report supports previous studies and confirms what we have long known: sea levels are continuing to rise at an alarming rate, endangering communities around the world. Science is indisputable and urgent action is required to mitigate a climate crisis that is well underway. NASA is steadfast in our commitment to protecting our home planet by expanding our monitoring capabilities and continuing to ensure our climate data is not only accessible but understandable.”
This multi-agency effort is a product of the Interagency Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flood Hazard and Tool Task Force, composed of NOAA, NASA, EPA, USGS, DoD, FEMA and the US Army Corps of Engineers, as well as several academic institutes. The report leverages methods and insights from both the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report and supporting research for the US DoD Defense Regional Sea Level database.
To read the full Sea Level Rise Technical Report, click here.
At least 2ft of sea level rise is likely by 2100 and reducing emissions now can lower future risk. Earth-monitoring systems are vital for tracking future sea level rise – credit: NOAA.
