Global mean sea levels have increased by around 25cm since 1880

There are two key drivers of sea level rise. First, water expands as it gets warmer. Second, ice on land – in the form of ice sheets and glaciers – melts and adds water to ocean basins, Our World in Data reports.

Both of these processes have accelerated due to climate change. The effect is shown in the chart, based on data from the US’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It combines two sources: recent data from the University of Hawaii Sea Level Center and a publication from Church and White (2011).

On this chart, the rise in sea level is measured relative to the average from 1993 to 2008. Levels had risen by almost 20 centimetres between 1880 and this period, and 5 more centimetres since. Combined, that’s around 25 centimetres.

Explore more data on the impacts of climate change.