Sea level will rise fast even if we limit global warming to 1.5°C

image via New Scientist

May 20, 2025, 10:00 AM

• •Satellite observations reveal ice sheets are melting faster than anticipated.
• •Limiting warming to 1.5°C won't stop significant sea level rise.
• •Reducing global temperature to about 1°C above pre-industrial levels is needed to slow sea level rise to a manageable rate.

A new review of climate data indicates that ice sheets are melting more rapidly than previously projected. Even limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels will not prevent substantial sea level rise over the coming centuries. The current trajectory of 2.9°C warming by 2100 risks the loss of the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets. To slow sea level rise to a manageable rate, the global temperature needs to be reduced to around 1°C above pre-industrial levels.

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