A new analysis by the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative (ICCI) warns that rising sea levels pose a threat to some of the world's largest oil ports, including those in Saudi Arabia, the US, and other key global players. The study, as reported by The Guardian, emphasizes that a catastrophic sea level rise of one meter is likely inevitable within this century and could occur as early as 2070 if carbon emissions are not reduced.
"Refusing to turn off the oil taps means keeping the taps on for sea level rise," cautioned James Kirkham, Chief Scientific Advisor at the ICCI. He warned that the acceleration of glacier melting and ocean expansion has caused the rate of sea level rise to double in the last 30 years. His comments were published in Hürriyet.
According to SKAI, the analysis found that 12 of the 15 oil ports with the highest tanker traffic are exposed to rising sea levels, with 13 ports at risk of damage from a one-meter rise. Among these, Ras Tanura and Yanbu in Saudi Arabia are particularly vulnerable due to their low elevation.
A total of $214 billion worth of oil was exported from the Ras Tanura and Yanbu ports in 2023, representing about 20% of global oil exports, according to Adevarul. Both ports are operated by the Saudi state oil company Aramco, underpinning their role in the global oil supply chain.
"It's ironic that these oil ports are less than a meter from sea level rise and they have to keep an eye on sea level rise, which is itself linked to the continued use of fossil fuels," said Pam Pearson, according to BFMTV. Pearson emphasized the paradox of fossil fuel consumption contributing to the climate crisis that now threatens infrastructure.
According to The Guardian, American oil ports in Galveston and Houston are also at risk, being the largest oil ports in the United States and important for oil production. The vulnerability of these ports underscores the widespread nature of the threat posed by rising sea levels.
Maps of sea level rise from Climate Central and Google Maps show that a rise of one meter will damage docks, oil storage facilities, refineries, and other infrastructure, contributing to global problems even before it surpasses coastal boundaries.
Scientists note that the accelerating melting of ice and ocean expansion have already doubled the rate of sea level rise over the past 30 years. This rapid increase exacerbates the risk to coastal infrastructures worldwide.
"This analysis shows that relying on fossil fuels in a warming world is a path to disaster, not energy security," stated Murray Worthy from Zero Carbon Analytics.
According to CNN Greece, researchers note that reducing greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning to renewable energy sources will stop global warming and provide more reliable energy. This shift could mitigate the impending threats to coastal facilities.
However, some major oil-producing nations have been accused of obstructing progress on climate initiatives. According to The Guardian, Saudi Arabia has been accused of blocking progress at the COP29 climate assembly, hindering efforts to address drought and desertification.
Pearson believes that rising sea levels are the longest-lasting and most far-reaching impact of the climate crisis, redrawing the map of the world and affecting many major cities, including New York, Shanghai, London, and Venice.
"Unless leaders double down on transitioning away from fossil fuels, the terrible impacts of sea level rise will only increase further—affecting every country with a coastline, including those who continue to obstruct increased decarbonization efforts," warned Kirkham.
"Ultimately, it's a losing battle. You have to keep building these sea walls higher over time," said Worthy, as reported by Il Messaggero.
According to Newsit, scientists emphasize the irony of the situation, stating that fossil fuel use is the main cause of global warming, which in turn threatens these oil ports. This cycle underscores the urgent need for a shift in energy practices.
Among the vulnerable ports are those in the United Arab Emirates, China, Singapore, and Russia's Ust-Luga. Thirteen of the world's largest oil ports will be submerged if the global ocean level rises by at least one meter.
The ICCI's analysis underscores the urgent need for sharp reductions in emissions to slow down sea level rise and limit its final impact. Such actions could prevent the most catastrophic outcomes predicted.
"Countries face a choice: either remain dependent on fossil fuels and risk their ports being submerged by rising seas while facing supply disruptions, or transition to safe, sustainable domestic renewable sources," added Worthy.
According to Il Messaggero, researchers have observed that the recorded rise in sea level has made storm surges stronger and more likely to cause flooding in coastal areas, with storms occurring more frequently and with greater intensity.
As noted by RBC, Kirkham cautioned that unless decisive action is taken to reduce emissions, sea levels could rise by three meters in the next millennium or two, potentially occurring by the early 2100s if glacier melting cannot be stopped.
"This danger is being ignored due to the short-term interests of governments and companies," said Pearson, according to BFMTV. "They have short-term profit interests and do not seem to realize the facts."
in addition to the ports in Saudi Arabia and the United States, the port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands and the port of Ust-Luga in Russia are among the European ports on the list of those affected by rising sea levels.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.