Trending Now - Study Warns Rising Sea Levels Endanger Millions More Than Expected
WHO:
Dr. Philip Minderhoud, hydrogeology professor at Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands
Katharina Seeger, lead author, University of Padua, Italy
Anders Levermann, climate scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impacts Research, Germany
Vepaiamele Trief, 17-year-old climate activist from Vanuatu
Ben Strauss, CEO of Climate Central
Thompson Natuoivi, climate advocate for Save the Children Vanuatu
Gonéri Le Cozannet, scientist at the French geological survey
Robert Kopp, sea level expert at Rutgers University
WHAT:
A study published in the journal *Nature* found that global sea levels have been underestimated by an average of 30 centimeters (1 foot).
The study analyzed 385 pieces of peer-reviewed scientific literature from 2009 to 2025.
It was found that 90% of studies underestimated baseline coastal water heights.
In some areas of the Global South, particularly Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific, sea levels may be 100-150 centimeters higher than previously thought.
The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates sea levels may rise by 28-100 centimeters by 2100.
If sea levels rise by 1 meter, it is estimated that 37% more coastal areas will fall below sea level, affecting up to 132 million individuals.
The study highlighted a "methodological blind spot" in how sea and land altitudes are measured.
WHERE:
Global South, particularly Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific
Vanuatu, South Pacific archipelago
Europe and Atlantic coasts (less affected)
WHEN:
The study was published on March 5, 2026.
The analyzed literature was released between 2009 and 2025.
WHY:
The underestimation of sea levels is attributed to a mismatch in the methods used to measure sea and land altitudes.
Many studies did not use actual measured sea levels, relying instead on land elevation measurements referenced against global geoid models.
HOW:
The study combined analysis of existing literature with calculations of the difference between assumed and actual measured coastal sea levels.
It called for a re-evaluation of existing coastal hazard studies methodology to ensure climate change policies are accurately informed.
QUOTES:
Dr. Philip Minderhoud: “In reality, sea level is influenced by additional factors such as winds, ocean currents, seawater temperature and salinity.”
Katharina Seeger: “Studies that calculate sea level rise impact usually do not look at the actual measured sea level so they used this zero-meter figure as a starting point.”
Vepaiamele Trief: “These studies, they aren’t just words on a paper. They aren’t just numbers. They’re people’s actual livelihoods.”
Thompson Natuoivi: “Sea level rise is not just changing our coastline, it’s changing our lives. We are not talking about the future — we’re talking about the right now.”
A new study published today in the journal *Nature* reveals that global sea levels have been underestimated by an average of 30 centimeters, with significant implications for coastal communities, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific. The research, which analyzed 385 peer-reviewed studies from 2009 to 2025, found that 90% of these studies failed to accurately measure baseline coastal water heights, leading to alarming predictions that up to 132 million people could be affected if sea levels rise by just one meter. Experts involved in the study, including Dr. Philip Minderhoud and climate activist Vepaiamele Trief, emphasize the urgent need to reassess existing methodologies to better inform climate change policies and protect vulnerable populations.