The world’s oceans play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate and supporting diverse marine life. However, in recent decades, ocean’s rising temperature has led to a concerning phenomenon. According to data from the European Union’s climate observatory, the temperature of the ocean’s surface has now increased to 20.96 degrees Celsius (69.7 degrees Fahrenheit) on July 30.
Oceans Set A New Temperature Record
Things began to look very unusual two months ago.
Today the charts need no commentary, they speak for themselves.
This is the Atlantic. https://t.co/P26XnJmKj6 pic.twitter.com/Xin8kUT3Fr— Dr Thomas Smith 🔥🌏 (@DrTELS) June 10, 2023
The rising temperature of the world’s oceans is a grave concern that demands urgent action. According to data from the European Union’s climate observatory, the temperature of the ocean’s surface increased to 20.96 degrees Celsius (69.7 degrees Fahrenheit) on July 30. The previous record was 20.95 C in March 2016. Polar regions were not included in the test samples.
Similar trends have been observed recently by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which makes use of a different database. According to the report, on April 4, 2018, a record high of 21.06 C for the average sea surface temperature was attained, breaking the previous high of 21.01 C from March 2016. According to the report, the day’s average temperature was 21.03 C.
Off the coast of Florida, temperatures are 38.3 C. The surface waters of the North Atlantic reached a record-high average temperature of 24.9 C. Temperatures have been higher than in prior years since March, when the North Atlantic starts to warm up after winter, and the difference with previous records has widened in recent weeks. The area is now a major location for observing heated oceans.
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Rising Ocean Temperature Pose As Immediate Threat
✋ Pause to appreciate mangroves.
They provide habitat for species as diverse as crabs, sharks and bees. 🦀🦈🐝
✅They absorb massive amounts of carbon.
🌊They protect people from rising seas and storms. #WorldMangroveDay
📷 Marcelo Johan Ogata “BugDreamer” / Ocean Image Bank pic.twitter.com/XjzETQML8J
— WWF Oceans 🌊 (@WWFLeadOceans) July 26, 2023
The rising ocean temperatures have far-reaching consequences for marine life. Many species, particularly coral reefs, are highly sensitive to even small temperature increases.
Scientists estimate that since the start of the modern era, oceans have absorbed 90% of the extra heat generated by human activities. The primary driver of rising ocean temperatures is human-induced climate change activities. A significant portion of this trapped heat is absorbed by the oceans, leading to their warming.
Fisheries and marine food webs are also heavily impacted by rising ocean temperatures. Changes in water temperatures can force fish species to move to cooler regions.
Scientists believe that if pollutant emissions are not controlled, they may be 10 times more intense by 2100 than they were at the start of the 20th century.
Cover image credits: Canva