ADDRESSING THE EXISTENTIAL THREATS POSED BY SEA-LEVEL RISE

Rising sea levels pose an existential challenge to low-lying coastal regions, particularly Singapore and Southeast Asia, where regional processes cause sea-level behaviour to diverge from global averages. Advances by the Sea Level Research Laboratory at the Earth Observatory of Singapore have substantially reshaped understanding of past, present and future sea-level change through the integration of geological indicators, instrumental records and advanced modelling. High-resolution reconstructions reveal that projected future rates of sea-level rise in Singapore may be unprecedented over the last 9,000 years and closely linked to anthropogenic climate forcing. New insights into vertical land motion, glacial isostatic adjustment and ice-sheet dynamics have refined regional projections, informing national climate assessments and IPCC reports. Beyond long-term trends, changing characteristics of tropical cyclones and tide–surge interactions highlight growing risks from extreme sea-level events. Coupling sea-level projections with ecosystem vulnerability and flood-risk models underscores the critical role of coastal ecosystems in adaptation and resilience. Together, these findings provide an essential scientific foundation for coastal planning, risk management and long-term sustainability in a warming world.