Global sea level rise threatens coastal populations and economies

Global sea levels are rising at a rate faster than at any point in the last three millennia, driven primarily by human activities since 1970. Between 1901 and 2018, the global mean sea level rose by 20 centimeters, with an additional 10.6 centimeters recorded since 1993. This acceleration is caused by the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, as well as the thermal expansion of seawater as it warms.

Approximately 770 million people live in areas less than five meters above high tide, making them highly vulnerable to flooding, beach erosion, and intensified storm surges. Under moderate emission scenarios, sea levels could rise by another 56 centimeters by 2100 compared to the 1995-2014 period.

In coastal tourism sectors, such as Surf City 2, a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) diagnostic revealed significant vulnerabilities. A 2025 study found that 73% of surveyed tourism enterprises were located in natural threat zones, yet only 14% held insurance and none had documented business continuity plans. Experts emphasize the need for better disaster preparedness, including evacuation routes and economic recovery mechanisms, to protect livelihoods in these high-risk coastal regions.