Antarctic Ice Melt to Hit Hong Kong, Shanghai Sea Levels 20% Harder Than World Average
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
International scientists have warned that sea-level rise driven by Antarctic ice melt will be 15 to 20 per cent higher in China's wealthy coastal cities including Hong Kong and Shanghai compared with the global average . Gravitational shifts caused by the shrinking Antarctic Ice Sheet will redistribute water across the globe, concentrating higher ocean levels along densely populated coastlines . The researchers say the impact could be felt almost immediately once Antarctic ice enters the ocean, posing serious challenges for port-based megacities .
Key Points
- A study published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Geoscience on September 30 found that Antarctica will cause sea-level rise 15 to 20 per cent higher in Shanghai and Hong Kong than the global average .
- Lead author Lin Yucheng, an assistant professor at City University of Hong Kong's School of Energy and Environment, warned that even limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius gives Antarctica a 92 per cent chance of losing mass this century .
- The research was conducted in collaboration with scientists from institutions in Australia, Britain, New Zealand, and the United States, who evaluated thousands of Antarctic models .
- Antarctica, a frozen expanse larger than China and India combined, is highly likely to lose mass this century due to the gravitational effects of ice loss .
- Without effective adaptation and costly coastal protection measures, large numbers of people in these cities may eventually need to relocate, according to Lin .
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong, one of the world's most densely populated coastal cities with extensive low-lying areas, this research underscores an existential climate threat requiring immediate planning and substantial infrastructure investment . The scientists emphasize that rapid emissions reductions in line with the Paris Climate Agreement remain essential to managing these risks to coastal communities .
For Hong Kong, one of the world's most densely populated coastal cities with extensive low-lying areas, this research underscores an existential climate threat requiring immediate planning and substantial infrastructure investment . The scientists emphasize that rapid emissions reductions in line with the Paris Climate Agreement remain essential to managing these risks to coastal communities .