Sea levels rose more than expected in 2024 | BBC News

Summary

NASA has reported an unexpected rise in global sea levels in 2024, reaching 59 cm per year, driven by thermal expansion and melting glaciers. The increasing rate of rise poses significant challenges, especially as oceans absorb most of the heat trapped by greenhouse gases. Although international cooperation is crucial, political obstacles, such as the U.S.'s rollback of climate policies, hinder progress. Meanwhile, China emerges as a leader in clean energy, offering hope for global advancements. The urgency for a global transition to clean energy is more critical than ever to mitigate the climate crisis.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Global sea levels rose by more than expected in 2024, with an annual increase of 59 cm instead of the anticipated 43 cm.
• 🌊 Rising sea levels are primarily caused by thermal expansion and melting glaciers, with thermal expansion accounting for about two-thirds of the increase.
• 🔥 Ocean warming, driven by excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases, is absorbing around 90% of the heat, contributing significantly to the rise in sea levels.
• 📅 2024 was the hottest year on record, which highlights the urgency of addressing global warming and its impacts on sea levels.
• ⚡ The rate of change in sea levels is accelerating, which poses serious risks to coastal areas and ecosystems.
• 💡 The key challenge now is transitioning to a clean energy economy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.
• 🗣️ Effective international cooperation is crucial to addressing climate change, but there has been slow progress, especially from major emitters like the U.S.
• 🇺🇸 The U.S. withdrew from the Paris Agreement under President Trump, which hindered global climate action efforts.
• 🇨🇳 China is emerging as a leader in clean energy initiatives, which could provide hope for future climate action, despite its previous stance on coal.
• 🤝 Global collaboration remains fragmented, but there is hope that more countries will step up their efforts toward clean energy solutions.

Q & A

What is the main cause behind the higher-than-expected rise in global sea levels in 2024?

The primary cause behind the unexpected rise in global sea levels is a combination of ocean warming and the melting of glaciers. Ocean warming accounted for about two-thirds of the increase, while the melting glaciers contributed the rest.

How much did global sea levels rise in 2024 compared to earlier predictions?

Global sea levels rose by 59 cm in 2024, which was significantly higher than the predicted 43 cm.

What is thermal expansion, and how does it contribute to rising sea levels?

Thermal expansion is the process where ocean water expands as it warms up. This expansion contributes to rising sea levels, and in 2024, it was responsible for about two-thirds of the global sea level rise.

Why are the rising sea levels particularly concerning?

The concern is not only about the rising sea levels but also the rate at which they are increasing. This rapid rise, coupled with the thermal expansion due to warming oceans, poses significant risks to coastal communities and ecosystems.

What impact did 2024 have on global temperature records?

2024 was the hottest year on record, featuring both the hottest summer and the hottest day ever documented.

How much heat from greenhouse gases do oceans absorb, and what are the consequences?

Oceans absorb around 90% of the heat from greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This heat absorption leads to ocean warming, which in turn contributes to thermal expansion and rising sea levels.

What role does multinational collaboration play in addressing climate change?

Multinational collaboration is essential for tackling climate change. Countries need to work together on policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and facilitate the transition to clean energy economies.

How has the United States' political stance on climate change affected global efforts?

The United States' withdrawal from the Paris Agreement under President Trump and recent moves to roll back climate regulations have hindered global efforts to combat climate change and undermine international cooperation.

Which countries are showing leadership in clean energy efforts?

China has been making notable strides in clean energy and is increasingly seen as a leader in this area. Despite challenges, its leadership in clean energy provides hope for future progress in addressing climate change.

What challenges remain for global cooperation on climate change?

Challenges remain due to conflicting interests between nations like China and India, who have resisted transitioning away from coal, and political barriers such as the US withdrawal from international climate agreements. However, there is hope that with ongoing progress in clean energy, more countries will step up to address the crisis.