A study published in Nature has found that melting glaciers have contributed nearly 2 cm to global sea level rise since the start of the 21st century.

Other Key Findings:

• Massive Ice Loss: Glaciers lost ~270 billion tonnes of ice annually for 25 years (2000-2023).
• The largest contributors to glacier mass loss: Alaska, Canadian Arctic, Peripheral glaciers in Greenland, Southern Andes.

About Sea-Level Rise

• Definition: Sea level rise is an increase in the ocean’s surface height relative to the land in a particular location. 
• Two primary reasons for Sea-Level Rise:
  • Glacial and Ice Sheet Melting: Glaciers and ice sheets lose mass due to rising global temperatures.
  • Thermal Expansion: As ocean temperatures rise, seawater expands, leading to an increase in volume. 

Consequences of Sea-Level Rise

• Storm Surges and Natural Disasters: Higher-sea levels intensify storm surges and coastal flooding.
• Human Settlements: 15% resided within just 10 km of a water body, making them vulnerable.
• Freshwater Contamination: Rising seas contaminate freshwater supplies, affecting agriculture and drinking water sources.
• Coastal Flooding: Rising seas threaten low-lying areas, with 630 million people at risk of annual flooding by 2100.