The concept of sea level might seem uncomplicated: a fixed point from which land elevation or depth are measured. But as scientific and environmental historian Wilko Graf von Hardenberg's fascinating Sea Level: A History shows, this seemingly static concept has undergone significant transformations throughout the centuries.
History buffs will appreciate Hardenberg's exploration of how sea-level measurement interacted with Enlightenment ideals of quantification and precision, while readers interested in the history of technology will find his discussion of early tide gauges and the role of the space race in sea-level monitoring compelling. Environmentalists and anyone concerned about climate change will find profound insights in Hardenberg's discussion of the inherent volatility and locality of sea level, as illustrated by the situation in Bangladesh, which is "virtually defenseless against tidal floods and sea-level rise... a process already affecting land erosion, soil salinization, and loss of biodiversity."
Hardenberg dismantles the notion of sea level as a fixed baseline, demonstrating how it has always been influenced by natural forces and human actions. This reframes the current crisis of rising sea levels, shifting it from an inevitable consequence to a stark illustration of humanity's impact on the planet.
This broadened perspective is crucial for navigating the challenges of a changing climate. By acknowledging the intrinsic instability and location-specific nature of sea level, a clearer picture emerges of the threats faced by coastal communities and island nations, and the benefits of using multiple reference points to understand the increasingly complex interplay between humans, land, and sea. --Elizabeth DeNoma, executive editor, DeNoma Literary Services, Seattle, Wash.