The measurements used to monitor climate change are far from minuscule. Scientists use a variety of tools to gather data on a global scale. Tide gauges and satellites, which you mentioned, are crucial for measuring sea level rise. Tide gauges can provide continuous data over decades at specific locations, helping us understand long-term trends. Satellites, on the other hand, offer a broader view, measuring sea levels across the globe with precision down to a few millimeters. This data is critical because even small changes in sea levels can have significant impacts on coastal communities and ecosystems.
As for the timescale of climate change, it's a gradual process that occurs over decades and centuries. While it might seem like "nothing has happened," the effects of climate change are indeed occurring. For example, global temperatures have risen by about 1.1 degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times, and sea levels have risen by about 8–9 inches since 1880. These changes are linked to more frequent and severe weather events like hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires.
The challenge with predicting climate change lies in its complexity. The climate system is influenced by various factors, including atmospheric gases, ocean currents, and solar radiation, making precise predictions difficult. However, the overall trend of warming and its impact on weather patterns and sea levels is clear and supported by an overwhelming majority of climate scientists.
It's true that some specific predictions may not come to pass exactly as forecasted, but this doesn't invalidate the broader body of scientific evidence pointing to significant long-term changes in our climate. Just as with weather forecasting, where a missed rain prediction doesn’t mean it never rains, the same is true for climate projections.
The proof of climate change, supported by extensive scientific research, shows that the risks and impacts are real, even if they unfold over a longer timeline than our day-to-day weather observations might suggest.
