NASA Reports Accelerating Global Sea Level Rise in 2024

A new analysis reveals sea levels rose faster than expected last year, driven by record ocean warming and melting ice.

Global sea levels rose by 0.23 inches in 2024, exceeding the predicted 0.17 inches, according to NASA's satellite data.
Thermal expansion, caused by ocean water warming, accounted for two-thirds of the rise, reversing the usual dominance of ice melt contributions.
2024 was the hottest year on record, with over 90% of trapped heat absorbed by the oceans, escalating sea level increases.
Since 1993, global sea levels have risen by 4 inches, with the annual rate of increase more than doubling over three decades.
Scientists warn that continued greenhouse gas emissions will exacerbate sea level rise, threatening coastal infrastructure and ecosystems worldwide.