New study warns: sea level could be much higher than previously thought. Flood risk increases for tens of millions of people.
A new scientific study indicates that the sea level could be significantly highest than previous estimates suggested; and this increases the risk of coastal flooding for tens of millions of people around the world.
It points to methodological flaws in the way sea height has been measured in many climate studies.
According to researchers, many scientific models use a reference point considered “zero metros” to calculate sea level.
However, this value does not always correspond to reality observed in coastal areas.
In some regions of the Indo-Pacific, for example, the difference between the theoretical value and the real level can be close to one meter, highlights the .
Analysis of hundreds of studies concluded that around 90% of coastal risk assessments underestimated the reference height of the sea, on average about 30 centimeters.
This discrepancy may seem small, but it has impact significant in predicting coastal flooding and storm surges, especially when combined with sea level rise caused by climate change.
Those responsible for this new study warn that this underestimation means that the risk of extreme flooding may be greater than expected for millions of people.
Anders Levermann, climate scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, says that there are coastal populations whose danger of severe flooding “is much greater than previously thought”.
O Southeast Asia emerges as the most vulnerable region, due to the high population density in coastal areas and the greatest discrepancy identified in the calculations. Countries with fewer resources for climate adaptation may face additional difficulties in protecting infrastructure and communities.
The study authors argue that improving sea level measurement and integrating more accurate local data is essential to developing effective climate change adaptation policies. Without this correction, urban planning, risk maps and coastal protection strategies may continue to underestimate one of the most dangerous effects of global warming.
