Mild global warming causes sea levels to rise sharply

Mild global warming causes sea levels to rise sharply

Global sea levels may rise 20-30 feet on average even under slight global warming conditions, according to a new study published on Wednesday in the online version of the journal Nature.

Researchers from Harvard and Princeton examined the last interglacial period, roughly 125,000 years ago, to look for signs of global warming. At that time, both poles were five to nine degrees warmer than today.

The study involved a statistical analysis of 50 signs of rising sea levels, including coral and sediment samples.

The researchers concluded that an increase of 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit would result in a long-term rise in sea levels by a minimum of 21.6 feet.

Scientists have long known that global warming can increase sea levels but the new study shows an estimate that is higher than earlier projections which shows a 13-20 foot rise in sea levels at the same temperature.

Study co-author Michael Oppenheimer, who is also geosciences and international affairs professor of Princeton, said that the recent findings are "something to worry about."

"Is this the end of the world? No," Oppenheimer said. "Does it mean there's a premium on reducing the level of greenhouse gases as fast as reasonably possible? Yes."

A climate conference sponsored by the United Nations will be held in Cancun, Mexico next month to discuss recent data on global warming and policy agreements between nations.

Observers doubt if there will be new deals between nations to tackle climate change, with some government representatives pointing out the lack of commitment shown by rich countries like the United States to enact laws to curb emissions and other measures to address the problem.

Posted by George Daniels on Thursday October 28 2010, 4:36 AM EDT. Ref: Washington Post. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, World. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0