A new study published in Nature found that melting glaciers have contributed nearly 2 cm to global sea level rise this century.

About Glaciers

• Glaciers rank as the second-largest contributor to global sea level rise, following ocean warming. 
• They are also natural indicators of climate change and play a vital role in many communities, providing vital water resources, especially during dry seasons.

Key Findings of the Study

• Loss of Ice: Over the past 25 years, glaciers have been losing 273 billion tonnes of ice annually.
  • Between 2000 and 2023, the world’s glaciers lost 6.542 trillion tonnes of ice, contributing an 18mm rise in sea levels.
• Rate of Sea Level Rise: Since 1880, global sea levels have risen by 21 cm.
  • The rate has accelerated from 0.18 cm/year (1993) to 0.42 cm/year (2024).
  • Over 10 cm of sea level rise has been recorded between 1993 and 2024.
• Regional Variations: The southwestern Indian Ocean experiences a higher-than-average rise at 2.5 mm per year (World Meteorological Organization, 2022).
  • Local factors like ocean heat content and salinity changes cause uneven sea level rise.
• Impact on India
  • Mumbai: Witnessed a 4.44 cm rise (1987–2021), making it the worst-affected Indian city.
  • Other affected Cities are : Haldia, West Bengal, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh as well as Kochi, Kerala.

Reasons for Concern Due to Sea Level Rise

• Coastal Flooding and Land Erosion: Increased flooding and coastal erosion can displace communities.
  • The West Bengal coast lost 99 sq km of land between 1990 and 2016 (NCCR Report, 2018).
• Impact on Coastal Populations: 29% of the world’s population lived within 50 km of the shore in 2018.
  • 15% lived just 10 km from water (Scientific Reports, 2024).
• Stronger Storm Surges: Rising sea levels increase the intensity of tropical storms, worsening flooding and damage.
• Threat to Coastal Ecosystems: Mangroves, coral reefs, and salt marshes face degradation.
  • Rising seas contaminate freshwater sources, impacting agriculture and drinking water.
• Future Projections: If emissions are not curbed, sea levels could rise by 20 cm by 2050—doubling the increase of the past century (NASA Statement, 2024).
  • This would result in more frequent and intense floods worldwide.