Place your bets on rising sea levels

A new risk-assessment study says there is a one in 20 chance of a dramatic rise in world sea levels over the next century, due to global warning.

The study by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and the Norwegian environmental safety organization, Det Norske, says there is a five per cent chance of the giant West Antarctic Ice Sheet disintegrating due to climate change. This would raise sea levels by one meter during the next 100 years.

Scientists have already predicted a rise in sea levels of 50 cm over the next century due to a combination of climate change and increased extraction of ground water, even with no contribution from melting.