Sea Level Rise New York Projections and Impacts Rising seas and
increased storm surges will put New York's coastlines at risk.
Global mean sea level has been generally rising since the end of
the last ice age. In the 18th and 19th centuries the rise was
small, but during the 20th century the seas rose faster,
primarily because ocean waters have warmed and expanded, and
larger volumes of meltwater from mountain glaciers are now
reaching the sea. Conservative projections expect the seas will
rise by 7 to 23 inches by 2100, but do not account for rapid
melt of land-based ice. The latest studies take into account
rapid ice melt, which we are already observing, to project a
rise in global mean sea level of three feet or more. Rising sea
levels pose serious threats to coastal communities and natural
resources, both worldwide and in New York. To ensure the future
usability and security of facilities, transportation and
critical resources (such as drinking water), government
officials and private sector planners need