For the forcing scenarios of future LSL, besides the uncertainties in vertical land motion, the spatial variations in the predicted thermal expansion introduces considerable uncertainties. However, the main risk is a potential dynamic response of the ice sheets to global warming. As a consequence, the range of plausible LSL changes is large for most coastal locations.
In such a situation, decision makers face a choice between keeping costs for the present generation small at the risk of very large costs for future generations or even for our generation in the near future or taking a route with higher costs for us, severe adaptation maesures, and a much reduced risk for future generations. Estimates of the upper range of LSL changes can support this choice and help to argue for a precautionary approach.