The claim

Historical photos of the Statue of Liberty, taken over 100 years apart, are intended to refute sea level rise and thus man-made climate change.

Our conclusion

The photos mentioned are not suitable evidence to refute sea level rise. They do not capture the subtle, decades-long changes that scientific data clearly demonstrates. Climate change and associated sea level rise are real and require urgent attention and action.

Misunderstood evidence

In the digital age, social media are not only platforms for exchange and networking, but also for disinformation. Historical photos have recently been circulating that are intended to refute man-made climate change and its consequences. However, a closer look at the facts shows that these images cannot serve as evidence.

A photo of the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island off New York is the most prominent example

The fact that the Statue of Liberty is still on the island and not in the water has led some people to question sea level rise. With a wink, two photos of the Statue of Liberty and the island are shown, which were supposedly taken more than 100 years apart. The ironic comment: “ There are over 100 years between the two photos. You can clearly see the ever-rising sea levels, can't you? »

The Statue of Liberty and sea level rise in a fact check
Screenshot: Facebook

Misinterpretation of images


However, these images are not suitable for assessing sea level rise. Sea level rises by millimeters every year, with daily fluctuations due to tides being much greater. However, scientific data show a steady increase that has accelerated dramatically in recent years.

The black and white photo is in fact more than 100 years old ( source ), and at first glance it looks like there have been no significant changes in sea level. However, these photos are not suitable measures of sea level rise for several reasons:

  1. Sea level changes constantly , even within a day due to ebb and flow. Off New York, differences of 1.5 to 1.9 meters are common, sometimes even more than 2 meters. These daily fluctuations are documented in tide calendars/tables ( source ).
  2. It is not possible to see an increase in the millimeter range with the naked eye. There are better ways to measure sea level accurately. Water levels can be evaluated and compared and satellite images provide information about changes.
  3. Since 575 AD, sea levels in the New York region have risen by 1.70 meters , a 2017 study shows ( source ). The researchers found that sea level has been rising by around 3 millimeters per year since the 20th century - significantly faster than in previous centuries.

Scientific data confirms the increase


Various US research institutes, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), continually monitor sea level rise and evaluate data. According to NOAA, sea level rise has continued to accelerate since the late 19th century. Century more than doubled from 1.4 millimeters per year to 3.6 millimeters per year.

Sea level rise is also confirmed by NASA satellite data. Clear visual evidence shows a steady upward trend. Research forecasts assume that this increase will continue in the next few years.

Conclusion


Although it may be tempting to seek simple answers to complex questions like climate change, it is important to understand the limitations of such “evidence.” A photo of the Statue of Liberty over 100 years old cannot show the subtle changes in sea level over decades, measured by precise scientific instruments.

Instead, we should rely on the scientific data and forecasts that show undeniable sea level rise. It is time to recognize climate change as the serious threat it is and take action to mitigate its impacts.

The evidence for climate change and sea level rise is clear. It is time to face these facts and act before it is too late.


Other recent fact checks:


Source DPA / About dpa fact checks: This fact check was created by the DPA as part of the Facebook/Meta program for independent fact checking. Detailed information about this program can be found here .


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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )