Climate crisis deepens as 2024 sees a shocking spike in global sea levels, NASA reports

Global Sea Levels Rose Faster in 2024 Due to Warming Oceans.

The rising sea is becoming harder to ignore. Scientists tracking ocean levels found that 2024 saw an unexpected surge in sea level rise. The rapid increase is linked to warming waters and melting ice, adding to long-term concerns about climate change.

Sea Level Rise Exceeds Predictions
In 2024, global sea levels rose at 0.23 inches (0.59 cm) per year. This rate was higher than the expected 0.17 inches (0.43 cm) per year. NASA researchers say ocean warming was the biggest reason for this jump.

This graph shows global mean sea level (in blue) since 1993 as measured by a series of five satellites. The solid red line indicates the trajectory of this increase, which has more than doubled over the past three decades. The dotted red line projects future sea level rise. (Image: NASA)

"Every year brings small changes, but the overall trend is clear," said Josh Willis, a sea level expert at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. "The ocean keeps rising, and the pace is increasing."

Usually, melting ice sheets and glaciers contribute most to sea level rise. Thermal expansion—when water expands as it warms—makes up a smaller share. However, in 2024, thermal expansion caused two-thirds of the rise, flipping the usual pattern.

Rising Temperatures, Rising Oceans
Scientists confirmed that 2024 was the warmest year on record. With this, ocean waters expanded, pushing global sea levels to their highest in three decades.

Since satellite records began in 1993, global sea levels have risen by 4 inches (10 cm). The annual rate of increase has more than doubled since then.

NASA has monitored ocean height for over 30 years, beginning with the TOPEX/Poseidon satellite in 1992. Today, Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich continues the mission, tracking sea levels with high accuracy. Its twin, Sentinel-6B, will launch soon to ensure uninterrupted data collection.

How Heat Moves Through the Ocean
Heat reaches the ocean in different ways, affecting how water expands. Usually, warmer, lighter water stays on the surface, while cooler, denser water remains below.

Strong winds and ocean currents can disturb this layering, pushing warm water downward. Major weather events like El Niño can also shift large amounts of heat deep into the ocean.

Scientists are closely watching these changes to refine predictions about future sea level rise. As ocean temperatures continue to climb, their impact on coastal communities worldwide will only grow.