&gt; <i>(If it&#x27;s not obvious to you that the trend, rather than the current value, is the interesting data, then this whole discussion is a waste of time.)</i><p>Both are interesting. The only thing that isn&#x27;t is your needless snark. Yes, a linear regression fit shows a slight upward trend, but the current value is also worth noting because the whole point of the article is that the Marshall Islands are being submerged. If the sea level is at the same point it was 23 years ago, then it seems there are three possibilities to consider:<p>1. The islands were similarly submerged 23 years ago.<p>2. The sea level data is somehow inaccurate.<p>3. Sea levels are at the same point, but geological facters may be causing the islands to sink.