If mankind fails to keep global warming within 2 ° C, then this will lead to a rise in the level of the World Ocean and catastrophic consequences for the economy, phys.org reports, citing the British National Oceanographic Center.
The floods caused by these changes will cost the world $ 14 trillion annually by 2100. The largest share of spending will go to upper middle income countries like China. The developed countries will be the least affected by the development of protective structures.
In warm climates, ocean levels will rise due to melting glaciers and thermal expansion of water. This is one of the most destructive aspects of global warming. Sea level rise is predicted according to scenarios that take into account harmful emissions and socio-economic aspects. But none of them are considering targeting warming limits of 2 ° C and 1.5 ° C in and after the 21st century.
The researchers decided to fill this gap. They considered a situation where warming was not being contained. It turned out that if by 2100 warming exceeds 1.5 ° C, then the median sea level will rise by 0.52 m. But if the target of 2 ° C is not achieved, the indicator will increase by 0.86 m, and at worst case - by 1.8 m.
If such forecasts are implemented, the cost of the consequences of floods will grow to $ 14 trillion (0.86 m) and $ 27 trillion (1.8 m) per year. In 2100, the latter amount will be 2.8% of world GDP.