<h5>What is the reason for rising sea levels?</h5><p>Over the last century, the global sea level has been rising. The rate has accelerated in recent decades. Sea levels are rising as a result of global warming and climate change. Global warming is caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, etc. All these activities emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, causing a temperature rise.</p><p>The temperature rise causes glaciers and ice caps to melt. This results in a rise in sea level, which can also affect weather patterns and change ocean currents.</p><p>Scientists use various equipment, such as tide stations, to measure rising sea levels. The data from this equipment helps us determine how our sea levels have changed over time. This increase in sea levels is not good for the planet or humans (or even animals like polar bears!).</p><h5>Why is a rise in sea levels harmful to us?</h5><figure class="image"><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/newsahoot.appspot.com/o/the-threat-of-rising-sea-levels%2Fflood-affected-area-odisha%20(1).jpg?alt=media&amp;token=caabb5cc-1bd9-45a3-9b6d-afe95caa6243"><figcaption>Flood in Odisha. Photo by Wikimedia Commons / GODL-India.</figcaption></figure><p>When sea levels rise, it can have a dangerous impact on coastal habitats. It causes floods, salt pollution of agricultural soil, and habitat loss for fish, birds, and plants. Saltwater can reach freshwater reserves. This makes drinking water sources unsuitable for drinking and for agriculture.</p><p>Higher sea levels cause more destructive storms. These storms can reach further inland and destroy everything in their path. A rise in sea levels also causes floods in low-lying coastal areas. Due to this, the people are forced to relocate to higher land.</p><p>Rising sea levels can seriously affect human cultures and people's livelihoods. Millions of people are at risk of floods and other climate change effects. So, it is important to take action to prevent rising sea levels.</p><h5>What can be done to stop the rise in sea levels?</h5><p>Many coastal cities are already planning measures to help deal with rising sea levels. These include building seawalls, redesigning highways, and planting mangroves or other water-absorbing trees.</p><p>Preserving coastal habitats can help lessen the effects of sea level rise. Coastal habitats act as a shield against storms and provide natural protection for coastal people.</p><p>The main cause of rising sea levels is global warming, caused by the emission of greenhouse gases. It is important to reduce such emissions. People can start using more renewable energy sources. Doing so can limit the rise in sea levels.</p><h5>Will India be affected by rising sea levels?</h5><p>According to a report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), India is among the countries that are most vulnerable to increasing sea levels globally. A report by the journal ‘Nature Climate Change’ says two Indian cities, Kolkata and Chennai, are at risk if sea levels rise further.</p><p>Another study published in 2022 revealed that several Indian cities near the sea might be flooded in the next 28 years due to rising sea levels. Some parts of Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai, Mangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, and Visakhapatnam will be submerged by 2050.</p><p>The effects of rising sea level in India shows that the government needs to take steps to reduce or reverse climate change. We can do our part by practising “reduce-reuse-recycle”, thereby leading more sustainable and environment-friendly lifestyles.&nbsp;</p>

The global sea level has risen significantly during the last century.

The Threat of Rising Sea Levels

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