Rising Sea Levels: Discover the Areas Most at Risk and What It Means for You

In 2024, we experienced one of the hottest years ever recorded. Alongside this, sea levels rose significantly, surpassing earlier expectations by about 35%. NASA reported this unexpected rise is largely due to warmer ocean temperatures and melting ice from glaciers. Josh Willis, a sea level researcher at NASA, noted that we’re seeing changes happening faster than we thought. “Every year brings surprises, but the trend is clear: sea levels are on the rise.”

In total, global sea levels increased by 0.23 inches in 2024, slightly above the anticipated 0.17 inches. That may not sound like much, but certain U.S. coastal cities are feeling the impact much more sharply. In fact, some areas have seen a 6-inch rise since 2010.

If this keeps up, experts predict the situation will worsen in just a few decades. According to data from the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. coastline could see sea levels rise by 10 to 12 inches by 2050, a rise comparable to what we witnessed between 1920 and 2020. This trend is raising alarms for cities with low-lying communities.

Let’s take a closer look at some U.S. cities that are particularly vulnerable to this rising tide.

Galveston, Texas
Galveston is raising eyebrows as the location with the highest sea-level rise in the U.S., totaling 8 inches over the past 14 years, according to a recent study by the National Wildlife Federation. Projections warn that Galveston could face an additional 3 to 8 feet of sea-level rise by 2100. As the barriers that protect the island sink, city planners are bracing for the worst.

Jacksonville, Florida
This city has seen a 6-inch rise in just 14 years. Experts from NOAA caution that we could expect another 9 inches of rise by 2050, leading to increased flooding risks. A report commissioned by Jacksonville further emphasizes the threat posed by stronger storms coupled with rising seas.

Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston has recorded about 7.4 inches of sea level rise since 2010. This alarming rate has prompted city officials to devise a plan prepared for an expected additional rise of 1.5 feet by 2040. Given that the city is already facing frequent floods, these measures are critical.

Miami Beach, Florida
Miami Beach has witnessed around 6 inches of sea-level rise since 2000. With estimates suggesting a potential additional rise of 10 to 17 inches by 2040, city officials are already adapting infrastructure to combat flooding issues, including raising roadways.

Savannah, Georgia
Even though Savannah isn’t right on the coast, its location along the Savannah River makes it vulnerable to rising tides. A 2023 study revealed a rise of 7.3 inches since 2010. Mark Risse from the University of Georgia underlines the misconception that only coastal areas are at risk. Riverside areas can also be affected as the tides climb higher.

Wilmington, North Carolina
Near Wilmington, sea levels have risen by around 7 inches since 2010. A recent report forecasted significant increases in high-tide flooding days, with predictions suggesting that the city could experience 30 days of flooding by 2050 and a staggering 323 days by 2100.

As the climate continues to change, rising sea levels are a growing concern. Cities across the U.S. are grappling with how to adapt and mitigate these risks. It’s a pressing issue that requires our attention now more than ever. If you’re interested in the science behind these changes, NASA has published more detailed findings on their official website.

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sea level rise, sea levels, The Washington Post