Sea level rise refers to the increase in the average height of the ocean’s surface, measured from the center of the Earth. This phenomenon is primarily driven by two main factors: the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, and the thermal expansion of seawater as it warms. As global temperatures rise due to climate change, ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica are melting at an accelerated rate, contributing significantly to sea level rise. Additionally, as seawater warms, it expands, further increasing the sea level. This rise in sea level is a critical indicator of climate change, with far-reaching impacts on coastal communities, ecosystems, and economies worldwide.
Rising seas — from melting land ice to the ocean absorbing 90% of our planet’s excess heat. The result? 700 million people living in low-elevation coastal zones in two-thirds of the world's largest cities are at risk.
Rising sea levels, changing coastlines, erratic rainfall, and high temperatures are threatening the livelihoods of farmers in Bangladesh. Increased rainfall during the dry season has led to heavy crop losses, forcing farmers to change cropping patterns. Pests have become more aggressive, requiring farmers to spend more on pest control and fertilizers. Excessive salinity in the soil is deteriorating the organic matter content. The coastal region experiences excessive rainfall during the monsoon and drought-like conditions during the dry season, affecting rice, pulse, and watermelon cultivation. Climate disasters such as cyclones, floods, and saltwater intrusion are common in this area.