Widespread Underestimation of Sea Levels Threatens Millions — Who’s Accountable?

Recent research reveals a troubling blind spot in how scientists and government agencies assess rising sea levels—one that could leave millions more Americans and global allies dangerously exposed to flooding and climate disasters. A comprehensive study published in Nature finds that approximately 90% of previous analyses underestimated baseline coastal water heights by nearly one foot on average. This discrepancy is especially prevalent in vulnerable regions like the Pacific and Southeast Asia, areas whose instability has ripple effects that ultimately impact U.S. national security and economic interests. How Did We Misjudge Something So Critical? The root cause lies in a methodological...