Sea level rise

Definition

Sea level rise refers to the increase in the average level of the world's oceans due to climate change, primarily caused by the melting of ice sheets and glaciers as well as the thermal expansion of seawater. This phenomenon poses significant risks to urban areas, especially those situated along coastlines, as rising waters can lead to flooding, erosion, and increased salinity in freshwater resources, ultimately impacting infrastructure, ecosystems, and communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sea levels have risen about 8 to 9 inches since 1880, with projections suggesting an increase of 1 to 4 feet by the year 2100 depending on global emissions scenarios.
2. Urban areas with dense populations are particularly vulnerable to sea level rise, which can exacerbate existing inequalities by disproportionately affecting low-income communities.
3. Rising sea levels can lead to more frequent and severe flooding during storm surges, resulting in increased damage to infrastructure and higher economic costs for cities.
4. Saltwater intrusion caused by sea level rise threatens freshwater supplies in coastal cities, impacting drinking water resources and agricultural practices.
5. Cities are beginning to implement adaptive measures such as sea walls, elevated structures, and improved drainage systems to combat the challenges posed by rising seas.

Review Questions

• How does sea level rise interact with urban infrastructure and community resilience?
  • Sea level rise significantly impacts urban infrastructure by increasing the risk of flooding and damaging roads, buildings, and utilities. As coastal cities face more frequent inundation events, they must adapt their infrastructure to withstand these challenges. Community resilience is tested as lower-income neighborhoods often bear the brunt of these impacts due to limited resources for adaptation and recovery.
• What strategies are cities employing to mitigate the effects of sea level rise on vulnerable populations?
  • Cities are adopting a variety of strategies to mitigate the effects of sea level rise, including creating green spaces that absorb water, implementing strict zoning laws that limit development in high-risk areas, and investing in public infrastructure upgrades. These efforts aim not only to protect vulnerable populations but also to enhance overall community resilience against climate change impacts.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of unchecked sea level rise for urban planning and sustainable development.
  • Unchecked sea level rise poses severe long-term implications for urban planning and sustainable development, potentially rendering certain coastal areas uninhabitable. It challenges the viability of existing infrastructures and requires a complete rethinking of land use policies. Urban planners will need to prioritize adaptation strategies that include managed retreat from vulnerable zones while also ensuring equity for affected communities, ultimately shaping the future of urban living in a changing climate.

Related terms

climate change: A long-term alteration in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place, significantly influenced by human activities such as burning fossil fuels.

coastal erosion: The process by which coastlines are eroded due to wave action, currents, and rising sea levels, leading to loss of land and habitats.

flood risk management:

Strategies and practices aimed at reducing the impact of flooding on communities and infrastructure, often involving planning, engineering solutions, and policy implementation.