Sea level rise will double coastal flood risk worldwide

Small but unstoppable increases will double frequency of extreme water levels with dire consequences, say scientists

Small but inevitable rises in sea level will double the frequency of severe coastal flooding in most of the world with dire consequences for major cities that sit on coastlines, according to scientists.

The research takes in to account the large waves and storm surges that can tip gradually rising sea levels over the edge of coastal defences. Lower latitudes will be first affected, in a great swath through the tropics from Africa to South America and throughout south-east Asia, with Europe's Atlantic coast and the west coast of the US not far behind.