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The sea level across the globe has risen approximately 5.5 inches (14 centimeters) in 20^th century, the largest increase than any other century since 800 BC, according to a study published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The study led by Robert Kopp, geobiologist, and his team of researchers gathered 1,300 geological indicators of sea level from 24 different locations around the world. With the help of statistical examination of the collected data, researchers reconstructed the global sea level fluctuation history that goes all the way back to 27 centuries. According to Kopp, the data collected before 800BC was not reliable enough, which is why the study only looks at the past 2,700 years. He also said, "There's no question that the 20th century is the fastest. It's because of the temperature increase in the 20th century which has been driven by fossil fuel use," as reported by Gizmodo

The rise of sea level in the 20^th century is manmade, said the study authors. Another study, not-yet-published, by Kopp and others discovered that sine 1950, that as many as 2/3^rd coastal floods in US in 27 locations were linked to warming caused by human activity.

Study co-author Stefan Rahmstorf, of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany, said if the seas keep rising as has been speculated, another 45cm would lead to not only a lot of problems but also expense, especially with floods caused due to storms, The Guardian says

Benjamin H. Strauss, the primary author of one of two related studies released on Monday said, "I think we need a new way to think about most coastal flooding. It's not the tide. It's not the wind. It's us. That's true for most of the coastal floods we now experience," as reported by New York Times