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

Key Worker - Young Carers

Essex County Council
Up to £28621.00 per annum
Key Worker - Young CarersPermanent, Full Time£28,621 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Head of Service - Highways and Transportation

North East Lincolnshire Council
£77,899
We are seeking an exceptional leader to take on the role of Head of Service – Highways & Transportation North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Director of Education

Birmingham City Council
£135,398 to £175,519 (3 days per week on site)
Leading Collaboration. Strengthening Trust. Improving Outcomes Birmingham, West Midlands
Recuriter: Birmingham City Council

Executive Director of Prosperity and Place

East Riding of Yorkshire Council
£148,775 - £159,480
We are seeking an exceptional Executive Director of Prosperity and Place East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: East Riding of Yorkshire Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152(Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091(Post-Progression)
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Next Steps Team in Durham, a developing and ambitious service that prepares young people in care for indep Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner