Global Sea Level Rise: A Comprehensive Analysis of Projected Impacts, Regional Vulnerabilities, and Adaptation Strategies Across All Continents

Sea level rise (SLR) represents one of the most significant and enduring consequences of anthropogenic climate change, threatening coastal populations, infrastructure, ecosystems, and economies across all continents. This comprehensive study synthesizes current scientific projections from the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) and recent peer-reviewed literature to assess the global distribution of SLR impacts under multiple emission scenarios through 2100, 2150, and beyond. We analyze vulnerability at continental, national, and regional scales, identifying which populations face existential threats versus manageable adaptation challenges. Under the high-emission scenario (SSP5-8.5), global mean sea level rise by 2100 is projected at 0.63–1.01 m relative to 1995–2014, with potential high-impact scenarios reaching 1.3–2.0 m due to ice sheet instabilities. By 2150, projections extend to 0.98–4.82 m under continued high emissions. This paper provides a systematic continent-by-continent assessment, quantifying population exposure, land area inundation, and economic impacts. We identify Bangladesh, the Netherlands, the Maldives, Tuvalu, and major delta regions as facing disproportionate threats, while examining adaptation strategies ranging from traditional engineering solutions to managed retreat. The analysis demonstrates that while entire nations will not disappear under most scenarios, hundreds of millions of people in coastal lowlands face displacement by mid-century, requiring unprecedented international cooperation, climate finance, and adaptation planning. This work provides a scientific foundation for policymakers, urban planners, and international organizations confronting the long-term challenge of rising seas.