Earth has tilted 80 cm because of human activity

The Earth has tilted by 80 centimeters over the past two decades due to human activity — and scientists warn the consequences are more significant than previously believed.

According to a study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, while global sea levels have risen by 60 centimeters, our planet has also tilted noticeably — a shift linked to changes in the distribution of water.

Ki-Weon Seo, a geophysicist at Seoul National University and lead author of the study, explained: “Earth’s rotational pole actually changes a lot. Our study shows that among climate-related causes, the redistribution of groundwater actually has the largest impact on the drift of the rotational pole.”

The study identifies large-scale water extraction — especially in western North America and northwestern India — as a key contributor to this shift.

Seo added: “I’m very glad to find the unexplained cause of the rotation pole drift. On the other hand, as a resident of Earth and a father, I’m concerned and surprised to see that pumping groundwater is another source of sea-level rise.”

(QG - Source: Indy 100 — Picture : © Unsplash)