What Is Sea Level Rise and Why Does It Matter? — Reading Comprehension

Sea level rise is the increase in the average height of the ocean’s surface over time. It is one of the most serious effects of climate change, and it affects people, animals, and the environment around the world.

There are two main reasons the sea level is rising. First, as global temperatures rise, glaciers and ice sheets in places like Greenland and Antarctica are melting. This adds more water to the oceans. Second, when water warms up, it expands. This means the same amount of water takes up more space, pushing sea levels even higher.

Even small changes in sea level can have big impacts. Many cities and communities are built near the coast. Rising seas can lead to more flooding, especially during storms and high tides. It can damage homes, roads, and freshwater supplies. In some places, land is already being lost to the ocean.

Ecosystems are also affected. Saltwater can enter freshwater habitats, harming plants and animals that live there. Beaches, marshes, and coral reefs may disappear or change forever.

To deal with sea level rise, people are building sea walls, improving drainage systems, and planting mangroves to protect coastlines. But the most important step is reducing greenhouse gas emissions so we can slow down the warming of the planet.

Sea level rise reminds us that Earth's systems are connected. What we do on land—like burning fossil fuels—can affect the oceans and the people who live near them.

Fun Fact: Since 1880, global sea levels have risen by about 8 inches, and the rate of rise is getting faster

What is sea level rise?

What is one main cause of sea level rise?

What happens when water warms up?

How can sea level rise affect people?

What can rising seas do to ecosystems?

What is one way people fight sea level rise?

What is the main idea of this passage?

If greenhouse gas emissions decrease, what might happen?