Waters have serious implications. Sea levels will continue rising for centuries no matter what we do, period. However, its rise still lies in our control to a degree. Humans can change their lifestyles to influence sea level rise for the better. The rise could be limited to 30 to 60 centimeters (1 to 2 feet) by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions are significantly reduced, but may rise 60 to 110 cm (2 to 3.6 feet) by 2100 if we do not act soon enough. Under the most extreme scenario, sea levels could rise by an astounding 15 mm (0.6 inches) every year by 2100, which is about four times faster than the current yearly rise of 3.3 mm.

Above: a graph depicting that the rate of sea level rise is rising (courtesy of nasa.gov).

Above: A Google Earth simulation depicting a Tokyo neighborhood in 2100 with 1.3 meter sea level rise (courtesy of treehugger.com).