Sea level forecast is good news for flood planners

Ice loss from the world’s ice sheets will not increase sea levels by more than two metres by 2100, according to US researchers.¹ The new study adds to the ongoing debate about the effect of global warming on sea levels (ENDS Report 392, pp 38-39).

At issue is the possibility of a rapid and catastrophic collapse of either the Greenland or West Antarctic ice sheets. These contain large volumes of water that would, if released by melting or collapse, increases global sea levels by many metres.