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.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Minerals Monitoring and Compliance Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 to £39,152 per annum
We are looking for an experienced individual who has the knowledge of service planning issues relating to development management and monitoring / comp Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Care Support

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
We have a permanent post available within the Pathways Service - which provides day services Monday to Friday to adults with complex needs. We have 1 Peterlee
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Classroom Teacher

Durham County Council
£37,101 - £45, 352
Classroom Teacher (across KS1 and LKS2) Required to start 1st September 2026   The children, staff and governors of Sedgefield Primary are looking to Sedgefield
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher- EYFS Lead

Durham County Council
£45, 352 - £51,048
The children, staff and governors of Sedgefield Primary are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and hard-working Reception Teacher to join our strong t Sedgefield
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£26,403 - £28,598
At Howletch Lane we are commited to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child can thrive academically, socially and emotionall Peterlee
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner