Havsnivåhöjningen

Havsnivåhöjningen refers to the rise in the average level of the world's oceans. This phenomenon is a significant consequence of global climate change, primarily driven by two main factors. The first is the thermal expansion of seawater, where as ocean temperatures increase due to absorbed heat, the water itself expands in volume. The second major contributor is the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, such as those in Greenland and Antarctica. The water from these land-based ice masses flows into the oceans, directly increasing their volume.

Scientific observations, including satellite altimetry and tide gauge records, have confirmed a consistent upward trend in global sea levels over the past century. This rise is not uniform across all regions, with some coastlines experiencing higher rates of increase than others due to factors like ocean currents and geological subsidence.

The impacts of sea-level rise are far-reaching. Coastal communities face increased risks of flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources. Low-lying islands and delta regions are particularly vulnerable, potentially leading to displacement of populations and loss of habitat. Furthermore, rising sea levels can exacerbate the effects of storm surges, making coastal areas more susceptible to damage during extreme weather events. Addressing havsnivåhöjningen involves both mitigation efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation strategies to cope with the inevitable changes.