Final answer:
Numerous factors contribute to estimating the number of people affected by sea level rise, including historical data, current trends, and potential future scenarios. Coastal regions are particularly at risk, as evidenced by existing challenges and projections for significant submergence of land and infrastructure.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the number of people affected by a percentage sea level rise, we need to understand historical data, current rates, and future projections. Since 1880, the sea level has risen by about 230 mm. Experts project an additional 270 mm increase by 2100, for a total sea level rise of 0.5 meters. Rigorous estimates of complete melting potential from Greenland and Antarctica suggest a rise of 7.4 m from Greenland and 58 m from Antarctica, plus 0.3m from glaciers. The vast stores of ice in these regions mean that significant melting could result in substantial sea level increases.
Coastal cities already face issues with the current 0.25 m rise, which is exacerbated by storm surges. If sea levels continue to rise, areas like Bangladesh, the Maldives, Kiribati, and Fiji could suffer dramatically, as large populations live close to the current sea level. Additionally, parts of the United States, such as New York City and New Jersey coast, could see thousands of acres submerged with a 6-meter rise, leading to the loss of airports, ports, and housing.
If we hypothetically consider a planet two-thirds covered in the ocean and 1% covered by an ice sheet melting at 1 meter per year, the sea level would be rising significantly. It is crucial to analyze and prepare for the potential impact of sea level rise on human populations, especially in vulnerable coastal areas.