Your data may be stored in the cloud, but it is often transmitted via cables on Earth. As sea levels rise, some of these cables may eventually sink underwater.

Carol Barford, a research scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said: "The design of land-based infrastructure is usually waterproof, but not waterproof."

She is part of a team that analyzes how sea level rise affects the Internet infrastructure on the coastline.

They found that the global sea level rises by only one foot-which is possible in 20 years-and that more than 4,000 miles of fiber optic cables will be underwater for at least half of the time.

Barford said that long-term exposure to water, moisture and ice can reduce signal strength, corrode connectors, and even damage glass fibers.

"There are actually various physical risks," she said. "These things are not designed to be underwater."

She said that in some places, upgrading hardware or relocating cables may help solve the problem. Therefore, she said that cities and Internet service providers now need to start making plans to protect the Internet when sea levels rise.

Report source: Sarah Kennedy/ChavoBart Digital Media.