Study triples estimates of people at risk of sea level rise

A study in Nature Communications initially estimated that 80 million people would be affected by annual flooding by 2050 due to climate change. However, this estimate was based on coastal elevation data that included errors. A new model using laser-based measurements and an algorithm corrected these errors, revealing that around 300 million people are at risk, particularly in Asian cities like Ho Chi Minh, Bangkok, and Shanghai.

What was the initial estimate of the population affected by annual flooding by 2050?

• 150 million

• 80 million

• 50 million

• 300 million

What was the main source of error in the initial coastal elevation data?

• Detection of land surface and objects like trees and buildings

• Incorrect temperature readings

• Miscalculation of population density

• Inaccurate sea level measurements

What technology did the new model use to improve accuracy?

• Satellite imagery

• Laser-based coastal measurements

• Drone surveillance

• Underwater sensors

According to the new model, what is the revised estimate of the population at risk from annual flooding?

• 100 million

• 200 million

• 300 million

• 400 million

Which regions are particularly highlighted as being at risk in the new model?

• Europe

• North America

• Africa

• Asia