Rising Sea Level Statistics

4-6in

Since 1993, sea levels in the western Pacific have risen by approximately 4-6 inches.

2x Rate

In the Western Pacific, sea levels have risen at twice the rate of the rest of the world.

2-3m

Many Pacific nations only sit around 2-3 meters above sea level.

6+in

NASA predicts that many Pacific nations will experience a 6-inch rise in sea levels in the next 30 years.

97%

Around 97% of Pacific Islanders live within 10km of the coast, highlighting the vulnerability to rising sea levels.

12+in

In some atolls, seasonal tides and sea levels can exceed 12 inches or more.

Most Affected Nations

Learn about how rising sea levels have affected individual Pacific Nations

Tuvalu

  • Since 1990, sea levels have risen by ~15cm

  • By 2050, sea levels are predicted to rise by ~15+cm

  • The average elevation is ~ 2 meters above sea level

  • 100% of residents live within ~ 1 km of the coast

  • Currently experiences under five flooding days/year

  • Predicted to experience ~25 flooding days/year by 2050

  • By 2050, 50% of the capital atoll (Funafuti) will be submerged by high tides

A flagpole flying the Union Jack and the European Union flag against a clear sky.

Kiribati

  • Since 1990, sea levels have risen by ~ 5-11cm

  • By 2050, sea levels are predicted to rise by ~ 15-30cm

  • The average elevation is 1-2 meters above sea level

  • 100% of the population lives within ~ 1 km of the coast

  • Currently experiences fewer than 5 flooding days/year

  • Predicted to experience ~65 flooding days/year by 2050

Flag with a red upper half, white, blue and dark blue wavy stripes in the lower half, a yellow sun with rays, and a yellow flying pelican.

Marshall Islands

  • By 2050, sea levels are projected to rise by ~ 15cm

  • By 2100, sea levels are projected to increase around 40-90cm

  • Average elevation is ~2 meters above sea level

  • The highest elevating point being only ~ 3-4m

  • 100% of the population lives within 1 km of the coast

  • Even a one-meter rise can permanently inundate 40% of buildings in their capital atoll (Majuro).

Flag of Namibia flying in the wind against a clear blue sky.

Federated State of Micronesia

  • By 2050, sea levels are projected to rise by ~ 15cm

  • Average elevation typically lies around ~ 2-3 meters above sea level

  • 89% of the population lives within 1 km of the coast

  • Flooding days/year are projected to increase dramatically, similar to other Pacific nations

Light blue flag featuring five white stars arranged in a diamond shape.

Solomon Islands

  • Since 1993, sea levels have risen around 8-10mm/year, ~2-3x the global average

  • By 2050, sea levels are projected to rise ~ 14-30cm

  • ~ 60-80% of the population lives within 1 km of the coast

  • Currently, Solomon Islands experiences under 5 flood days/year

  • By 2050, they are projected to experience over 10 flood days/year

The national flag of the Solomon Islands waving in the breeze under a partly cloudy sky.