Human-driven sea-level rise has made coastal flooding in New Zealand's capital of Wellington far more likely, with "once-in-100-year" floods now occurring about twice a year, new research reveals.
A study published in Nature Climate Change found that sea-level rise has made extreme coastal water levels about four times more frequent globally since 1900. Events that historically had a 1-percent annual chance of occurring have, at many sites, become at least 10 times more likely by 2005.
Last week, Wellington lifted a local state of emergency for parts of the capital following large swell warnings for the south coast and southern Wairarapa region.
Researchers warn that continued sea-level rise will further increase coastal flood risk, underscoring the need for updated flood planning and adaptation measures, particularly in low-lying coastal communities.
Human-driven sea-level rise makes floods more likely in New Zealand: study
Human-driven sea-level rise makes floods more likely in New Zealand: study
