Global Average Sea Level Rise
Last updated: January 20, 2026
3.7 mm/yr
mm/year
Global sea levels are rising at approximately 3.7 mm per year, and the rate is accelerating. Since 1900, sea levels have risen by about 20 cm total.
Historical Trend
Source: NASA
Why This Average Exists
Sea level rise is one of the most tangible consequences of climate change, threatening hundreds of millions of people living in coastal zones.
Factors That Affect Global Average Sea Level Rise
- Thermal expansion of oceans
- Ice sheet melting (Greenland, Antarctica)
- Glacier retreat
- Ocean circulation changes
- Land water storage
- Tectonic activity
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology & Data Sources
The data presented on this page is compiled from publicly available datasets published by international organizations including the World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations, NASA, and national statistical agencies.
Global averages are calculated using population-weighted or arithmetic means depending on the metric. Country-level data reflects the most recent available figures, typically from 2024–2024. Where gaps exist, the latest available data point is used.
All figures are subject to revision as source organizations update their datasets. For the most authoritative data, we encourage consulting the original sources linked in the table above.
Further Reading
- Global Average Temperature— 15.0°C °C
- Global Average Ocean Temperature— 17.1°C °C
- Global Average Carbon Footprint— 4.7 tonnes tonnes CO₂/year
- Global Average Rainfall— 990 mm mm/year
- Global Average CO₂ Emissions Per Capita— 4.7 tonnes tonnes/year
- Global Average Water Consumption— 137 L/day liters/day
- Global Average Wind Speed— 3.3 m/s m/s
- Global Average Humidity— 77% %