Pacific Sea Levels Rising Faster Than Global Average, Warns WMO
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has revealed that sea levels in the Pacific Ocean are rising faster than the global average, posing a significant threat to low-lying island nations.
Globally, sea levels have been climbing at an average rate of 3.4 millimeters per year over the past 30 years due to melting ice sheets and expanding water caused by warming oceans. However, the WMO’s latest report highlights that the Pacific is experiencing an even faster rise in sea levels, particularly in regions north and east of Australia.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized the growing danger, noting that human activities have diminished the ocean’s ability to protect and sustain us. This shift is transforming the ocean from a reliable resource into a major threat, as detailed in the regional State of the Climate report 2023 released at a forum in Tonga.
Since 1980, there has been a marked increase in coastal flooding events in the Pacific, affecting areas like the Cook Islands and French Polynesia, which previously saw fewer incidents. Many of these floods are linked to tropical cyclones, which are believed to be intensifying due to rising sea surface temperatures.
The report also noted that the Pacific region faced over 34 hazards, including storms and floods, in 2023, leading to more than 200 deaths. Despite these challenges, only a third of small island developing states currently have early warning systems in place.
