Sea levels are rising globally due to increasing temperatures driving thermal expansion of oceans and melting of land ice. Based on data from 1993-2010, global sea levels rose an average of 3.2 mm per year, and are projected by the IPCC to continue rising throughout the 21st century at an accelerated rate compared to 1971-2010. In California, indicators show sea levels rising along the coast, with state projections aligning with global projections of increasing sea level rise due to climate change throughout the current century.

1. Sea Level Rise: Global and
California data and projections
Alexander Gershenson
Assistant Professor, ENVS SJSU
Principal, EcoShift Consulting

2. Why are we witnessing sea level rise?
IPCC AR5 Ch. 13

3. Change in global temperature is the
primary driver
IPCC AR5 SPM

4. Global distribution of temperature
changes
IPCC AR5 SPM

5. Long term sea level and ocean heat data
Trend of change:
3.2 mm/y 1993-2010
IPCC AR5 SPM

6. Long term projection
IPCC AR5 SPM

7. IPCC statement:
Global mean sea level will continue to rise
during the 21st century. Under all RCP scenarios
the rate of sea level rise will very likely exceed
that observed during 1971–2010 due to
increased ocean warming and increased loss of
mass from glaciers and ice sheets.

8. Closer to home: What is going on in
CA?

9. What is happening with sea level rise?
“INDICATORS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
IN CALIFORNIA” OEHHA 2013

10. California projections
Global projections
CEC‐500‐2012‐008