Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 21 hrs ago
Sea-level rise in Hong Kong and Shanghai may exceed global average by up to 20%
Scientists say sea levels could rise 15 to 20 per cent more than the global average in coastal cities such as Hong Kong and Shanghai.
The expected increase is linked to melting ice in Antarctica.
As the ice shrinks, changes in gravity would shift ocean water around the world.
That redistribution could raise sea levels more along China’s densely populated coast.
The researchers say Antarctica has a 92 per cent chance of losing mass this century even if global warming is limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
That temperature limit is the most ambitious goal in the Paris Agreement.
The findings highlight a greater sea-level risk for major coastal cities, but the source gives no specific next steps.
International scientists warn that sea-level rise in Hong Kong and Shanghai could be 15 to 20 per cent higher than the global average.
They attribute the difference to gravitational shifts caused by shrinking Antarctic ice, which would redistribute water around the globe.
The scientists said China’s densely populated coastlines would see higher ocean levels.
Lead author Lin Yucheng said Antarctica has a 92 per cent chance of losing mass this century even if global warming is limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
- Who
- International scientists, including lead author Lin Yucheng.
- What
- They warn that sea-level rise in Hong Kong and Shanghai could be 15 to 20 per cent higher than the global average.
- When
- The report was published on October 11, 2026.
- Where
- Hong Kong and Shanghai, along China’s coast.
- Why
- Shrinking Antarctic ice could shift gravitational forces and redistribute water, raising ocean levels along China’s coast.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Even if we limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius [2.7 degrees Fahrenheit], the Paris Agreement’s most ambitious goal, Antarctica still has a 92 per cent chance of losing mass this century.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Sea-level rise in Hong Kong and Shanghai
- 15 to 20 per cent higher than the global average
- Antarctica’s chance of losing mass this century
- 92 per cent
- Warming limit discussed
- 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Report publication date
- October 11, 2026
Sources
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