Rise Provides Critical Insights for the Future

March 20, 2025 – Scientists have gained a new understanding of how sea levels rose after the last ice age, offering valuable insights into the future impacts of global warming. Researchers from the University of Sheffield, along with international partners, have published a study in the scientific journal Nature, showing that past sea-level changes can help predict future trends.

Key Findings of the Study

• The study examined boreholes from submerged peat layers in the North Sea’s Doggerland, a land bridge that once connected Great Britain to mainland Europe.
• By analyzing geological data, researchers calculated that global sea levels rose by about 38 meters between 11,000 and 3,000 years ago.
• During two periods in the early Holocene, sea levels increased at a rate of more than a meter per century (8-9 mm per year).

Why This Matters Today

Scientists warn that similar rates of sea-level rise could occur due to rapidly melting ice sheets caused by climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts sea levels could rise between 4 and 10 mm per year by 2150, potentially threatening coastal cities, infrastructure, and economic activity worldwide.

Dr. Sarah Bradley from the University of Sheffield’s School of Geography and Planning highlighted the importance of this research for policymakers. She emphasized that past climate changes offer a valuable reference point, helping experts develop strategies for climate adaptation and risk management.

Looking Ahead

Lead author Marc Hijma, a geologist at Deltares, stated that understanding past sea-level changes will improve how scientists predict future impacts. The study’s findings can help governments and communities better prepare for rising sea levels and climate-related risks.

For further information on this topic, you can explore these resources:

1. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – https://www.ipcc.ch
2. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – Sea Level Rise – https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/hazards/sealevelrise/
3. NASA Climate Change – Sea Level Data – https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/sea-level/

This research serves as a crucial wake-up call for global action against climate change. By learning from the past, scientists hope to build a more resilient future for our planet.