New Zealand faces major sea rise ‘much sooner than we thought’

While the global sea level is expected to rise 5 metres by 2100, for large parts of New Zealand, it could be 1 metre because the land is sinking too

The sea level is rising twice as fast as previously forecast around parts of New Zealand, according to research published on Monday, putting the country’s two largest cities at risk decades earlier than expected, Qazet.az reports.

Government-backed data amassed from around the country’s coastline found some areas are already sinking 3-4mm (0.11-0.16 inches) per year, speeding up a long-expected threat.

The projections, labelled “a bit terrifying” by one expert, are the result of an extensive five-year, government-funded research programme – NZ SeaRise – that was the combined work of dozens of local and international scientists.

Their prognosis means authorities have much less time than expected to introduce climate adaptation plans, including relocating coastal communities.

NZ SeaRise co-leader Tim Naish, a professor at Wellington’s Victoria University, said while the global sea level is expected to rise about 0.5 metres (19.8 inches) by 2100, for substantial parts of New Zealand it could be closer to 1 metre (39.4 inches) because the land is sinking at the same time.

It is stark news for the capital city, Wellington, which could expect a 30cm (11.8 inches) sea level rise by 2040 – a level that had not been expected before 2060.

With that rate of rise, Wellington residents can expect once-a-century flood damage every year on average.

“We have less time to act,” Naish said. “You are going to see the impacts of quite damaging sea level rise much sooner than we thought. Roads and properties will be inundated. Yes, it is a bit terrifying but there is still time and I think that is the way to look at it.”