Researchers warn that climate change poses a threat to Japan's shoreline. They predict that up to 90 percent of the country's beaches could disappear by the end of this century if sea levels continue to rise.
A research group from Tohoku University conducted a simulation on how Japanese coastal areas will be affected by rising sea levels. Scientists at the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimate that sea levels around the world could rise up to 82 centimeters on average by the late 21st century if greenhouse gas emissions continue at the current pace. The Japanese team found that if that happens, 91 percent, or about 250 square kilometers, of beaches in Japan could be submerged.
The UN panel experts estimate that anti-global warming measures could hold the rise at 26 centimeters, but the Japanese scientists say even in that case, 47 percent of beaches in the country could disappear. The chief researcher Keiko Udo says the loss of beaches would mean the destruction of habitats for coastal marine life, which could disrupt ecosystems.
◆sea level 海面
◆Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 気候変動に関する政府間パネル
◆greenhouse gas emissions （主に複数形で）温室効果ガスの排出
◆square kilometer 平方キロメートル
◆submerge 沈める
◆anti-global warming measures 地球温暖化防止策
◆habitat 生息地
◆disrupt 破壊する
◆ecosystem 生態系
