Two images of Fort Denison in Sydney, taken in 1934 and 2023, have been misused on social media to falsely claim that sea levels are not rising.

The images appear to show the water at the same height along the structure, leading some to argue against significant sea level rise.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that coastal ecosystems are at risk from rising sea levels and other environmental changes, which compromise their resilience.

Climate scientist Shaina Sadai emphasizes that a single photo cannot accurately represent long-term sea-level changes, which are influenced by various factors, including tides.

NASA reports that human activities are responsible for about 70% of the increase in sea levels observed since 1970, with projections indicating a continued acceleration.

However, these claims ignore the influence of tidal effects and the overwhelming scientific data indicating that both local and global sea levels are indeed rising due to human emissions.

Australia's Bureau of Meteorology confirms that local sea levels have increased since 1914, with measurable fluctuations in annual averages.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), sea levels at Fort Denison have risen by approximately 0.03 inches per year, totaling over three inches in the last century.

Research from the IPCC predicts that certain regions, particularly Pacific islands, will face the greatest risks and may experience irreversible changes in the next 30 years due to rising sea levels.

In response to these challenges, local authorities in Sydney are preparing for the adaptation and fortification of Fort Denison as climate change continues to impact the area.