New Elevation Data Reveals Dire Future for Coastal Flooding: Millions at Risk

Climate change is a pressing issue that is causing rising sea levels, leading to increased coastal flooding. New elevation data has revealed that by midcentury, frequent coastal flooding will rise higher than areas currently home to hundreds of millions of people. This poses a significant threat to coastal communities, particularly in Asia, where a large population resides in low-lying coastal areas.

The new figures are a result of an improved global elevation dataset produced by Climate Central using machine learning. This dataset, known as CoastalDEM, shows that many coastlines are lower than previously understood. By 2050, land currently home to 300 million people will fall below the elevation of an average annual coastal flood. By 2100, land now home to 200 million people could sit permanently below the high tide line.

The threat is concentrated in coastal Asia, with countries like China, Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand facing the greatest risks. These countries are home to the most people living in areas vulnerable to sea level rise and coastal flooding. The consequences of this could be profound, with economic, humanitarian, and political implications.

Coastal defenses such as levees and other adaptive measures can help mitigate these risks, but the costs associated with such measures are likely to be significant. The impacts of rising sea levels are not just a future concern but are expected to affect communities within the lifetimes of people alive today.

The new elevation data provided by CoastalDEM offers a more accurate assessment of global vulnerability to sea level rise and coastal flooding. It highlights the urgent need for action to address climate change and its impacts on coastal communities. Deep cuts to global emissions and proactive measures to protect vulnerable areas are essential to minimize the risks associated with rising sea levels.