We all know that global warming is a great threat to civilization and now, a new study - led by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research - claims that Antarctica's glacial melting could pose a great threat to major cities like New York and Shanghai.
The researchers explain that the current rate of glacial melting could raise sea levels by 37 centimeters or 14.6 inches by the end of this century - which could easily submerge New York City.
"This is a big range, which is exactly why we call it a risk," Anders Levermann, lead author of the study, said in a statement, according to Bloomberg.
"Science needs to be clear about the uncertainty so that decision makers at the coast and in coastal megacities can consider the implications in their planning processes," Levermann added.
According to Frank Lowenstein, leader of Climate Adaptation Strategy at The Nature Conservancy, some areas have already reached the point where survival is critical. Several ports are constantly battered by storms and typhoons, while deserts are incredibly hot and drought-laden, reports AOL.com.
Earlier in May this year, NASA released a report that claimed a 10-foot rise in worldwide sea-levels is inevitable as the West Antarctic ice sheet is continuously melting. Another National Geographic estimate projects sea levels could rise up to 6.5 feet by 2100, which is enough to submerge many cities along the U.S. East Coast.
Considering the issue, Carbon Story - a crowdfunding website that supports climate change projects - launched "World Under Water", an interactive web-based tool that shows how cities and landmarks would look if sea-levels rise flood the area.
"The idea isn't just about creating a shocking effect, but rather to give people an opportunity to become part of the solution to climate change by calculating and offsetting their carbon footprint using Carbon Story's website," said Olof Lundström, cofounder of Carbon Story, in a press release.
"Over the years, there has been a lot of talk about climate change but sadly not enough action. The World Under Water Campaign has been designed not just to increase awareness about climate change, but also to give people a platform to take action to create a better future," Lundström added.
Read more on how rising sea levels and global warming would affect real estate.
