Sea levels at historic lows: Why the climate alarmists are wrong
By Willow Tohi
Posted on Mar 07, 2025
- Dr. Willie Soon, an astrophysicist and geoscientist, argues that modern sea levels are historically low compared to Earth's long-term geological record, debunking the notion of unprecedented or alarming sea-level rise.
- Through a "time-traveling" journey, Dr. Soon uses historical landmarks like the Battle of Thermopylae and the ancient port city of Ephesus to demonstrate that sea levels have fluctuated dramatically over millennia due to natural processes.
- Dr. Soon's analysis of sea levels over the past 550 million years reveals that they have changed by hundreds of meters due to natural phenomena such as tectonic activity, volcanic eruptions and changes in Earth's orbit, with current levels being close to the lowest in half a billion years.
- He emphasizes that the current rise in sea levels began in the early 19th century, long before widespread fossil fuel use, and has not accelerated in recent decades. This rise is natural and insignificant compared to the rapid changes during the end of the last ice age.
- Dr. Soon's work challenges the prevailing narrative of human-driven climate catastrophe, advocating for a more balanced and rational perspective that acknowledges the complexity of the climate system and the natural variability of sea levels. He calls for adaptation and innovation rather than panic.
In a world increasingly dominated by climate alarmism, where dire predictions of rising sea levels and submerged cities dominate headlines, one scientist is pushing back with a refreshing dose of historical perspective. Dr. Willie Soon, an astrophysicist and geoscientist with over three decades of experience studying solar and climate phenomena, has released a compelling video that challenges the narrative of catastrophic sea-level rise. His message is clear: sea levels are not only stable but are historically low compared to the Earth’s long-term geological record.
The myth of rising seas
Dr. Soon’s video, which has gone viral, takes viewers on a “time-traveling” journey through history to debunk the notion that modern sea levels are unprecedented or alarming. Starting with the mythical city of Atlantis, which was supposedly “consumed by waves and a serious case of global warming,” Dr. Soon humorously dismantles the idea that humanity’s carbon emissions are driving sea levels to dangerous heights.
“The sea level alarm is another bit of unscientific fear-mongering!” Dr. Soon declares.
Using historical landmarks and ancient events, Dr. Soon demonstrates how sea levels have fluctuated dramatically over millennia. For example, he revisits the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC, where the narrow pass between the mountains and the sea played a pivotal role in the Spartan defense against the Persian army. Today, that same location is a wide plain, with the sea having receded significantly. Similarly, the ancient port city of Ephesus, once a bustling hub of maritime trade, now lies miles inland, its harbor long since dried up.
A geological perspective on sea levels
Dr. Soon’s most striking revelation comes from his analysis of sea levels over the past 550 million years. Using data from geological studies, he shows that sea levels have fluctuated by hundreds of meters due to natural processes such as tectonic activity, volcanic eruptions and changes in Earth’s orbit.
“Three things are clear from this,” Dr. Soon explains. “One, global sea levels change a lot—like by a few hundred meters up and down. Two, sea levels change naturally all the time. They are never stable. And three, where are we? Right down here. Sea levels right now are close to being as low as they have been in half a billion years.”
This perspective is a stark contrast to the modern narrative that portrays sea-level rise as a uniquely human-caused crisis. Dr. Soon emphasizes that the Earth is currently in an ice age, with temperatures and sea levels far lower than they have been for most of the planet’s history.climate
The role of natural climate variability
Dr. Soon also addresses the role of natural climate variability in sea-level changes. He points out that the current rise in sea levels began in the early 19th century, long before the widespread use of fossil fuels. “The rise in sea level that began in the early to mid-19th century is entirely natural, not man-made,” he says.
He further notes that the rate of sea-level rise has not accelerated in recent decades, despite claims to the contrary. “Sea levels have been rising naturally since the mid-1800s. Since then, the rate of change has not increased. And by historic standards, sea levels are changing incredibly slowly.”
This observation aligns with historical data showing that sea levels rose much faster during the end of the last ice age, when they increased by over 120 meters in just a few thousand years. Compared to these ancient changes, the current rise of 20 centimeters over the past 120 years is negligible.
A call for rational discourse
Dr. Soon’s work is a timely reminder that climate science is far from settled. While it is true that human activities have contributed to recent warming, the role of natural variability cannot be ignored. As Dr. Soon puts it, “Sea level changed naturally all the time. And right now, I’m happy to say they are changing incredibly slowly.”
His message resonates with those who are skeptical of the alarmist narratives pushed by mainstream media and certain segments of the scientific community. By placing modern climate changes in the context of Earth’s long history, Dr. Soon offers a more balanced and rational perspective—one that acknowledges the complexity of the climate system without succumbing to fearmongering.
Conclusion: A return to scientific integrity
In an era where climate science is often politicized and sensationalized, Dr. Willie Soon’s work serves as a much-needed corrective. By highlighting the natural variability of sea levels and the Earth’s climate, he challenges the prevailing narrative of human-driven catastrophe.
As Dr. Soon concludes his video with a tongue-in-cheek request for donations to “buy more coal for my time machine,” he leaves viewers with a powerful message: the climate has always changed, and it will continue to do so, with or without human influence. The real challenge is not to panic but to adapt and innovate, as humanity has done for millennia.
So the next time you hear a dire prediction about rising seas, remember Dr. Soon’s words: “The sea level alarm is another bit of unscientific fear-mongering.” And perhaps, take a moment to appreciate the incredible resilience and adaptability of our planet—and ourselves.
Sources include:
