A one-metre rise in sea levels threatens to destroy 13 of the world’s most important oil ports, a new study has found. This could happen in the coming decades.
The study was conducted by the international climate initiative ICCI. Scientists have concluded that if sea levels rise by one meter, major ports such as Aramco’s two terminals will be flooded. Among the victims will be the ports of Galveston in Texas, the world’s largest oil producer, as well as terminals in the UAE, China, Singapore and the Netherlands.
ICCI director, former US diplomat Pam Pearson, said: “It is ironic that ports that depend on oil production and transportation are less than a meter above sea level. They will be destroyed by the consequences that they themselves provoke.”
Scientists warn that the consequences will begin to appear by 2070 if glaciers continue to melt at the same rate. Moreover, by 2100 sea level may rise by three meters. This will lead to the destruction of coastal cities and a reduction in habitable areas.
Dr James Kirkham, ICCI’s chief scientific adviser, said: “The rate of sea level rise has doubled over the past 30 years due to accelerated melting of glaciers. Failure to reduce oil use puts coastlines and the countries on them at risk.”
Murray Worthy, a leading fossil fuel researcher, added: “We have proven that dependence on oil is a recipe for disaster, not energy security. Oil-producing countries are faced with a choice: either flooded ports and economic crisis, or a transition to green energy.”
Experts note that the construction of protective structures for ports is possible, but expensive and unreliable. Long-term sea level rise will destroy even protected sites.
The study also talks about Saudi wine. At the COP29 climate conference in Riyadh, the country blocked major decisions, including reducing the use of single-use plastics and discussing desertification and droughts. The Saudis also vetoed a mention of global warming in the summit’s final declaration, derailing agreements between the countries.
Cursor previously wrote that ecologists showed how the hammer of an endangered shark is formed.