Earth Sciences

Global LiDAR land elevation data reveal greatest sea-level rise vulnerability in the tropics

A. Hooijer and R. Vernimmen

This groundbreaking research by A. Hooijer and R. Vernimmen uncovers that a staggering 62% of the world's vulnerable land, at risk from sea-level rise, lies in the tropics. With millions facing heightened flood risk by 2100, this study is essential for understanding our future coastal challenges.

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Abstract

Accurate land elevation data are crucial for coastal flood risk assessments. Previous data limitations led to high uncertainty in sea-level rise (SLR) projections. This study utilizes the first global elevation model derived from satellite LiDAR data, revealing that 62% (649,000 km²) of the globally vulnerable land area (less than 2 m above mean sea level) is located in the tropics. Even with a conservative 1-meter SLR by 2100 and stable lowland populations, the affected population (267 million in 2020) would increase to at least 410 million, with 72% residing in the tropics and 59% in tropical Asia.

Publisher

Nature Communications

Published On

Jun 29, 2021

Authors

A. Hooijer, R. Vernimmen