Laura Sharman 11 December 2019

Millions more to be affected by flooding as Greenland's ice melt faster than expected

More than 40 million people than expected will be affected by coastal flooding by 2100 a new study has revealed.

The study, published by the University of Leeds, shows that Greenland's ice sheet is melting at a much faster rate than originally predicted.

It shows that Greenland has lost 3.8 trillion tonnes of ice since 1992, pushing global sea levels up by 10.6 millimetres.

Previous studies predicted global sea levels would rise 60 centimetres by 2100, which would have put 360 million people at risk of annual coastal flooding.

Professor Shepherd said: 'As a rule of thumb, for every centimetre rise in global sea level another six million people are exposed to coastal flooding around the planet.

'On current trends, Greenland ice melting will cause 100 million people to be flooded each year by the end of the century, so 400 million in total due to all sea level rise.

'These are not unlikely events or small impacts; they are happening and will be devastating for coastal communities.'

LocalGov Weekly Round Up image

LocalGov Weekly Round Up

William Eichler, editor of LocalGov.co.uk, reflects on the stories that captured readers’ attention this week.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Tutor

Essex County Council
£29377.00 - £30377.00 per annum
TutorPermanent, Part Time£29,377 to £30,377 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

SEND Engagement Facilitator

Essex County Council
£25821.00 - £30377.00 per annum
SEND Engagement FacilitatorFixed Term, Full Time£25,821 to £30,377 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Finance Administrator Banking WMF2726

Westmorland and Furness Council
£26,403.00 - £26,824.00
They will be working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities so will need to be adaptable. Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Lawyer (Property) - WMF2791e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£45,091 to £46,142
A great opportunity has arisen at Westmorland and Furness Council within our Legal Team Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Lawyer (Contract, Procurement & Licensing)

Hyndburn Borough Council
£48,226 – £51,356 per annum
We have a vacancy in our busy, but friendly, Legal Section for a proactive and enthusiastic lawyer Accrington, Lancashire
Recuriter: Hyndburn Borough Council
Linkedin Banner