Another study is raising concern over the global sea level rising quicker than previously anticipated and in spite of some observations to the contrary.
According to the Wall Street Journal, authors of a study published in the journal Nature Climate Change contradicted one that suggested ice melt in Greenland and West Antarctica was not matching the Earth's projected sea level increase.
Using updated satellite observations, the researchers believe they set the record straight.
"The acceleration is also consistent with what we expect, given the increasing contributions from the West Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets," study co-author Christopher Watson, a University of Tasmania geodesist, told the Washington Post. "Accelerating sea level is a massive issue for the coastal zone - the once-in-a-lifetime inundation events will become far more frequent, and adaptation will need to occur.
"Agencies need to fully consider the impact of accelerating sea level and plan accordingly."
The new global sea level rise was measured at 2.6 to 2.9 millimeters per year over the last 20 years, which is more inline with projections from the U.N.-appointed Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
"Unlike the previous slowing, an estimate of acceleration is striking in that it is consistent with the projections of future sea level published by the IPCC," Watson told CBS News. "Rising sea levels will place increasing stress on the coastal zone - inundation events will become more frequent and adaptation will need to occur.
"Agencies need to consider the impacts of accelerating sea levels and provide communities with advice and planning directions that are commensurate with the magnitude of the problem."
