Alarming data has emerged about the rise in sea levels

According to the latest research by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the level of the World Ocean in 2024 has exceeded even the most alarming forecasts of scientists. This fact becomes yet another proof of the worsening global climate crisis. Specialists also note that the current year has broken temperature records for the entire history of meteorological observations, which is directly related to the accelerated rise in sea level.

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory oceanographer Josh Willis does not hide his concern: "The growth we observed in 2024 turned out to be higher than we expected. Something new happens every year, but one thing remains constant: ocean levels continue to rise, and the pace is becoming faster."

Researchers have identified that the main catalyst for sea level rise in recent years has been the intensive melting of ice sheets and glaciers. Ocean water warming occurs under the influence of a complex of factors: extreme winds, powerful currents, and climate phenomena like El Niño. These phenomena cause redistribution of heat between different layers of the ocean, which exacerbates the situation and creates additional risks.

Alarming statistics show that the rate of sea level rise doubled from 1993 to 2023, causing serious concern in the scientific community. Willis emphasizes that, despite the general upward trend, individual years may show fluctuations due to natural processes.

"This uncertainty adds to the picture of ongoing changes, which may make it difficult to predict future events," specialists emphasize.

Chris Piecuch, a physical oceanographer from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, notes that the rise in sea level in 2024 due to ocean warming was an expected phenomenon, as disruptions in the temperature regime in oceanic waters regularly lead to such annual fluctuations.

He also pointed out that since the beginning of systematic observations, the World Ocean level has risen by 10 centimeters, which at first glance may seem insignificant.

Mark Kaufman, a former National Park Service ranger, warns: "A four-inch rise in sea level over the past few decades may not be perceived as a serious threat. However, the problem is that these 10 centimeters are not the threat itself, but what follows them." According to forecasts, in the next 30 years, the sea level along the US coast will increase by an average of 25-30 centimeters, which carries catastrophic consequences for coastal settlements.

António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, expressed deep concern: "About 900 million people live in low-lying coastal zones. Rising sea levels mean a growing wave of suffering." He emphasized the need to combat greenhouse gas emissions that intensify global warming and called on the international community for decisive action.

Climatologists emphasize that countering global climate change requires a comprehensive approach and prompt response to emerging challenges, which is critically important both for governments of different countries and for all humanity.