Sea Levels Rise Twice as Fast in 10 Years, UN Warns Oceans in ‘Severe’ Crisis

The United Nations has issued a stark warning that the world’s oceans are under “severe and accelerating” pressure, with the rate of sea-level rise doubling over the past decade due to human activities. Meanwhile, water shortages are draining billions from Africa’s economy each year, and groundwater supplies are drying up in nearly one-third of boreholes globally, threatening farming and drinking water.

· 1 min read ·
countriesculturepoliticsenvironment

A new global assessment from the United Nations, called the World Ocean Assessment, found that stressors like pollution and large-scale industrial fishing are building up, causing widespread loss of biodiversity and putting ocean systems under “severe strain.” The report warns that sea levels are rising at double the rate seen ten years ago, driven by the climate crisis, and calls for a global effort to limit pollution, industrial fishing, and climate impacts [1].

Separately, African leaders have warned that poor access to clean water and basic toilets is draining billions of dollars from the continent each year, worsening poverty, disease, and inequality. The crisis affects millions of people, hurting health, education, and economic growth, and leaders say without urgent action, the financial and human costs will keep rising [2].

In South Africa, a new global study reveals that groundwater levels are falling in nearly one-third of boreholes examined, mainly due to unsustainable pumping for irrigation, homes, and industry. Since groundwater provides 66% of the water used for irrigation in South Africa, farmers and cities face a growing crisis as boreholes run dry, and experts warn that without changes in water use, the country’s underground reserves may soon be unable to meet demand [3].

Sources

UN: Sea level rise doubles in 10 years, oceans under 'severe' stress #168351Africa Loses Billions as Water Crisis Worsens, Leaders Say #157054South Africa’s Underground Water Supply Is Drying Up #160355

Related

Sea Levels Rising Twice as Fast as a Decade Ago, UN Warns of ‘Severe’ Ocean Crisis

The rate of global sea level rise has doubled over the last ten years, according to a new United Nations report, signaling a worsening crisis for the world’s oceans and coastal communities.

Sea Levels Rising Twice as Fast as a Decade Ago, UN Warns of ‘Severe’ Ocean Crisis

The rate of global sea level rise has doubled over the past ten years, according to a new United Nations report, which warns that the world’s oceans are under “severe” and growing stress. Scientists say the accelerating rise threatens coastal communities everywhere, from small island nations to major cities, and urgent coordinated action is needed to prevent further damage [169387].

Oceans in Crisis: Sea Levels Rising Twice as Fast, Illegal Squid Fleets Caught with Forced Labour

The world’s oceans are under “severe and accelerating” pressure from human activities, with sea-level rise doubling in the last decade and a hidden crisis of illegal fishing and forced labour exposed in the global squid industry.

Glaciers Melting Twice as Fast as 10 Years Ago — Central Asia's Water Crisis Threatens Millions

Glaciers in Central Asia are melting at an alarming rate, causing rivers to dry up and threatening the economy, while the United Nations reports that global sea levels are now rising twice as fast as they did a decade ago.

7 States Face Water Crisis as Colorado River Shrinks — Africa Loses Billions as Water Crisis Worsens

A new global study reveals that water levels are falling in nearly one-third of the world's boreholes, with South Africa's underground water supply drying up due to unsustainable pumping for irrigation, homes, and industry [160355]. Meanwhile, African leaders warn that poor access to clean water and basic toilets is draining billions of dollars from the continent each year, worsening poverty, disease, and inequality [157054].

Sea Level Rise Doubles in a Decade as Super El Niño Threatens to Widen Global Inequality

The rate at which global sea levels are rising has doubled over the past ten years, according to a new United Nations report, while scientists warn that a "super" El Niño is strengthening and could deepen the divide between rich and poor nations [169387][169199].