A study published in the journal Science has unveiled that despite the government efforts to curb global warming, sea levels could rise by at least six meters in the coming time. It will take many centuries for this level of rise, but as per ancient evidence, more rapid shifts are possible.

Study researchers have affirmed that there are some greenhouse gases that can remain present in the atmosphere for centuries. Study’s lead researcher Andrea Dutton from the University of Florida, said that it is a concerning matter, but also affirmed that six metres projection is a long term one. It is not going to take place soon.

The research is based on studies of related topic including ancient ice to fossil corals. After going through the data, the researchers have affirmed that around 125, 000 years ago, sea levels have increased between six and nine metres. At that time, the temperature was the same as it is today.

Around 400,000 years ago when temperature was around 1C warmer than present, ocean levels have gained between six and 13 metres. Three million years ago when there was a warm period, sea levels have increased at least six metres more than what they had now.

Earlier rise could be linked to natural changes in earth’s orbit around the sun. The researchers stated that a small rise in global warming, 1 to 2 degrees Celsius, has led sea level to increase of 20 feet. “Studies have shown that both the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets contributed significantly to this sea level rise above modern levels”, said the researchers.