Final answer:
Sea level projections for 2100 range from a 2 to 4 feet increase, influenced by thermal expansion, melting glaciers and ice sheet contributions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on historical data and ongoing research, latest projections suggest that sea levels could rise by up to 2 to 4 feet by the year 2100. Since 1880, the sea level has already risen by about 230 mm, and current rates predict a total rise of approximately 0.5 m by 2100. The rise in sea levels is fueled by factors such as the expansion of ocean water due to warming, melting of glaciers and ice caps and potential contributions from the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets.
Should global temperatures continue to increase, the rise in sea levels could pose significant risks to coastal regions and urban centers, particularly those at low elevations. For instance major parts of Bangladesh are under 40 feet above sea level, and even a three-foot rise could result in extensive flooding. Significant sea-level rise could also lead to the destruction of coastal ecosystems, displacement of communities and far-reaching impacts on global infrastructure.