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.'

Devolution and putting place first image

Devolution and putting place first

The real lesson of Andy Burnham's Makerfield success, argues Dr Jonathan Carr-West, is that place – not personality – is the key to Britain's future.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Educational Psychologist

North Yorkshire Council
£49,215 - £65,423
This is an exciting time within North Yorkshire Council’s Educational Psychology service. Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Educational Psychologist

North Yorkshire Council
£49,215 - £65,423
This is an exciting time within North Yorkshire Council’s Educational Psychology service. Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Dredger Chief Mate

North Yorkshire Council
£29,064 – £31,537 per annum
The vessel operates in the ports of Whitby and Scarborough and occasionally operates on contract to dredge other ports around the UK coast. Whitby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Social Worker Disabled Children's Team

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839 per annum
Do you want to be part of a service that is passionate about improving the lives of disabled children and their families? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Democratic Services and Civic Officer

Ribble Valley Borough Council
£33,143 to £35,412 per annum
We are excited to advertise the position of Democratic Services and Civic Officer in our Chief Executive’s Department. Clitheroe, Lancashire
Recuriter: Ribble Valley Borough Council
Linkedin Banner