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Ironic: Climate-Driven Sea Level Rise Will Overwhelm Major Oil Ports, Study Shows

Summary

Rising sea levels caused by climate change threaten to severely damage 13 major oil ports globally, including key facilities in Saudi Arabia, the US, China, and the Netherlands. A study by Zero Carbon Analytics highlights that ports like Saudi Arabia's Ras Tanura and Yanbu, which handle 98% of the nation’s oil exports, are particularly vulnerable to a 1-meter sea level rise expected by 2070 or sooner. Researchers underscore the irony that fossil fuel-driven emissions are causing the crisis that now imperils oil infrastructure. Coastal flooding, storm surges, and saltwater infiltration are already challenging these ports. While defenses like seawalls could be built, experts warn that such measures are unsustainable long-term. The study critiques continued reliance on fossil fuels, urging a transition to renewable energy to mitigate future risks. Saudi Arabia's obstructionism at global climate summits has drawn further scrutiny amid mounting environmental challenges.

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