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

Senior/Principal Regeneration Officer

Fareham Borough Council
£45,465 - £55,379
Our town centre regeneration is moving from planning to delivery, and we're looking for someone who wants to help make regeneration happen. Fareham, Hampshire
Recuriter: Fareham Borough Council

Chief Executive

Cheshire East Council
Competitive Salary
You will lead an organisation with ambition, complexity and reach, while helping shape the future of a place Cheshire
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

Director of Family Help & Children’s Social Care

Cheshire East Council
Up to £123,477
To help drive this vision forward, we’re seeking an exceptional Director of Family Help & Children’s Social Care. Cheshire
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

Deputy Director Children’s Services (Director of Children’s Social Care)

Devon County Council
Competitive Salary
Reporting to the Director of Children’s Services, you will lead services across one of England Devon
Recuriter: Devon County Council

Director of Law & Corporate Governance (Monitoring Officer)

Northumberland County Council
£ 143,779 - £158,197
With the forthcoming retirement of our current postholder, we are seeking an outstanding leader Northumberland
Recuriter: Northumberland County Council
Linkedin Banner