U.S. coastal cities face significant sea level rise

Sea levels are rising rapidly, according to a new report from NASA. In 2024, the planet experienced its hottest year on record, and sea levels rose 35% faster than expected. This rise is mainly due to warming oceans and melting ice from glaciers. The global average sea level increased by 0.23 inches in 2024, surpassing the predicted rate of 0.17 inches. In the U.S., some coastal areas have seen even higher increases. For instance, data shows that from Texas to North Carolina, levels have risen by 6 inches or more since 2010. Experts predict that sea levels along the U.S. coastline could rise by 10 to 12 inches by 2050. This increase resembles the total rise measured from 1920 to 2020. Several U.S. cities are particularly at risk. Galveston, Texas, has faced the highest sea level rise, seeing 8 inches over the last 14 years. Projections suggest it could experience an additional 3 to 8 feet by 2100 due to both rising seas and land sinking. Jacksonville, Florida, recorded a 6-inch increase in the same timeframe. By 2050, NOAA estimates that Florida could see another 9 inches, leading to more flooding. In Charleston, South Carolina, sea levels rose 7.4 inches since 2010. The city is preparing for an additional 1.5 feet by 2040 and 2.5 feet by 2060 to combat frequent flooding. Miami Beach has also experienced about 6 inches of rise since 2000, and by 2040, levels may be 10 to 17 inches higher than in 2000. Savannah, Georgia, located 18 miles from the ocean, is affected by rising tides in the Savannah River. The city saw a 7.3-inch increase in sea level from 2010 to 2023 and may face another 1.5-foot rise by 2050. Wilmington, North Carolina, recorded a 7-inch rise since 2010. Reports indicate that the city could experience many more high-tide flooding days in the coming decades.