Since 1900, sea levels have risen 10 to 15cm, largely due to the melting of glaciers and ice caps. Because of this melting, scientists have predicted that the level of the sea could rise by as much as 1.65m by 203O and 3.1m by 2........ . Then, it would threaten over 10 million square kilometres — only 3% of the world's area, but more than 30% of its farmland and home to over 1 billion people. All coastal cities would be at risk as would many islands. Most of Asia's rice farms would be endangered and the entire country of the Netherlands could end up under water.