Rising sea levels as a result of global warming, excessive coastal land development, over-population and loss of mangroves and coral reefs are all conspiring to make the recent tragic loss of life in Asia more likely, and more deadly.

Global Warming, Pollution Add to Coastal Threats

A creeping rise in sea levels tied to global warming, pollution and damage to coral reefs may make coastlines even more vulnerable to disasters like tsunamis or storms in future, experts said Monday.