World's oceans hit record hottest surface temperature, raises climate concerns

Paris: The world's oceans have set a new temperature record, reaching 20.96 degrees Celsius (69.7 Fahrenheit) on Friday, according to data from the European Union climate observatory.

This surpasses the previous record of 20.95C in March 2016.

Scientists have highlighted the significance of this development, as oceans have absorbed 90% of the excess heat generated by human activities since the industrial age began. The continued accumulation of greenhouse gases, primarily from burning fossil fuels, contributes to the ongoing rise in ocean temperatures.

The data, obtained from the ERA5 database, excluded polar regions.

Global ocean temperatures have been surpassing seasonal heat records consistently since April, leading to concerns about the impact on marine life and coastal communities. Piers Forster from the International Centre for Climate at the University of Leeds expressed worries about coral bleaching in Florida due to the ocean heatwave and warned that other marine life could be adversely affected, including migration patterns and the spread of invasive species. The potential implications for fish stocks and food security in certain regions are also alarming, reported AFP.

The warming oceans are less effective in absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2), exacerbating the cycle of global warming. The El Nino phenomenon, which tends to warm waters, has recently begun, leading scientists to anticipate more significant effects by the end of 2023 and subsequent years.

Climate experts attribute the long-term cause of ocean overheating to the accumulation of greenhouse gases from human activity, primarily through the burning of fossil fuels. The trend of record highs is not limited to ocean temperatures; there have been extreme temperatures recorded in various regions worldwide.

Earlier this week, temperatures of 38.3C were measured off the Florida coast, potentially setting a world record for a point measurement if confirmed. The North Atlantic has also experienced a record-high average surface temperature of 24.9C, exceeding past records.

Marine heatwaves have become twice as frequent since 1982, according to a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). If pollutant emissions are not reduced, they could become ten times more intense by 2100 compared to the early 20th century.

The implications of ocean warming are set to be a crucial topic of discussion at the upcoming United Nations climate talks, COP28, scheduled to take place at the end of the year in Dubai. The use of coal, oil, and gas is expected to be central to these debates as the world grapples with the urgency of mitigating climate change.