Sea level rise threatens six major global cities

Global average sea levels have risen by approximately 11 centimeters since satellite measurements began in 1993, according to a study based on European Copernicus program data. The rate of annual sea-level rise has doubled over the last decade compared to the late 1990s.

Six major global cities are identified as being at high risk of submersion: Alexandria in Egypt, Jakarta in Indonesia, Shanghai in China, Mumbai in India, Miami in the United States, and Bangkok in Thailand. In Alexandria, sea levels have risen by about 17 centimeters since 1993, while Jakarta has seen an 18-centimeter increase.

Experts warn that even small vertical increases can lead to significant horizontal shifts in water lines. Theoretically, a one-centimeter rise can push the shoreline up to 10 meters inland on flat coasts. In cities like Jakarta, the danger is compounded by land subsidence, where the ground itself is sinking alongside the rising sea.