China Calls For Measures On Rising Sea Levels

China's oceanic authority on Monday called for measures to cope with rising sea levels. A report released by the State Oceanic Administration said the average sea level along China's coast in 2017 was 58 millimetres higher than the average level between 1993 and 2011.

The situation was the result of climate change and global warming, which have increased the temperature of China's coastal regions and the ocean, according the report.

Rising sea levels will increase the area inundated by sea water, aggravate marine disasters, and harm the ecosystem, said Chen Zhi, an official at the authority.

The report said the ability to prevent and respond to disasters should be improved. The layout of coastal cities and infrastructure planning should take the rising sea levels into account.

The report also called for protecting ecological resources, including coastal mangroves, swamps, and reeds.

It proposed pushing forward international cooperation in global marine governance, such as observation and prediction, risk assessment, and the response to rising sea levels. (Xinhua)