Rising sea levels accelerate faster than expected

Oceans rose 35% more than anticipated last year, with record-high temperatures driving the surge, according to a NASA-led study.

Kasha Patel reports for The Washington Post.

In short:

Global sea levels rose by 0.23 inches in 2024, exceeding the projected 0.17 inches, largely due to ocean warming.
While melting ice sheets have been the dominant factor over decades, last year’s rise was driven mainly by thermal expansion.
Coastal cities, particularly in the U.S. Southeast, are experiencing even greater sea level increases, leading to more frequent flooding.

Key quote:

“The rate of global rise is telling us something about what to expect at most coastlines around the world.”

— Josh Willis, sea-level researcher at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Why this matters:

Rising sea levels and warming oceans are reshaping coastlines and communities, placing millions at risk. As glaciers and ice sheets melt and seawater expands due to rising temperatures, coastal cities face increasing threats from flooding, erosion, and extreme weather. Warmer oceans are fueling stronger hurricanes, making storms more destructive and unpredictable.

The consequences are already visible. Low-lying island nations, as well as cities like Miami and New Orleans, have seen more frequent flooding. Coral reefs, which support vast marine ecosystems, are experiencing widespread bleaching due to warming, disrupting fisheries and the livelihoods that depend on them. Scientists warn that some warming-driven changes may be irreversible within a human lifetime. As oceans continue to absorb excess heat, the long-term implications for weather patterns, sea life, and global coastlines remain uncertain, but the urgency of the issue is clear.

www.washingtonpost.com

Rising sea levels accelerate faster than expected

The EPA's data on cancer risk from air pollution has gone dark

With Puerto Rico’s water crisis, climate change meets ineptitude

‘The real challenge starts after sundown’: Europe’s heatwave boosted solar by up to 17% on hot days

What to know about the Supreme Court’s major climate case this fall

Federal job cuts are making wildfires harder to fight

So much solar: Digging into the list of every U.S. power plant that went online this year

In Arizona, the thermostat is driving voters to the polls

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.