World Oceans Set New Surface Temperature Record This Week, Alarming Experts

According to data from the European Union’s climate observatory, the surface temperature of the oceans surged to an unprecedented 20.96 degrees Celsius (69.7 degrees Fahrenheit) on July 30th. This reading surpasses all previous records and raises significant concerns among scientists and experts.

A spokesperson from the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service confirmed the record-breaking temperature, underscoring the urgency of addressing this alarming trend.

The previous record of 20.95 degrees Celsius, set in March 2016, has now been eclipsed, underlining the accelerating pace of change. It is important to note that the temperature measurements did not encompass polar regions. However, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has also been tracking a similar trend over the past few months.

Their alternate database reveals a consistent pattern of rising ocean surface temperatures.

In a startling revelation, NOAA’s data indicates that the average sea surface temperature reached a new peak on April 4th of this year, registering at 21.06 degrees Celsius. This significant increase outpaced the previous record of 21.01 degrees Celsius from March 2016. Furthermore, on August 1st, the average temperatures were recorded at 21.03 degrees Celsius, further highlighting the sustained nature of this temperature surge.

Scientific research has established that the world’s oceans have absorbed 90 per cent of the excess heat generated by human activities since the dawn of the industrial era. This accumulation of additional heat directly results from the buildup of greenhouse gases, primarily emitted through the combustion of fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal. The consequences of these actions are now becoming evident in the form of rising ocean temperatures.

The unsettling trend of increasing ocean temperatures has persisted since April, with records consistently exceeding seasonal norms. This worrying development paints a dire picture for marine life and coastal communities relying on healthy oceans for their livelihoods and sustenance.

Piers Forster, a prominent figure at the International Centre for Climate at the University of Leeds, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “The ocean heatwave poses an imminent danger to certain marine species. We are already witnessing coral bleaching in Florida as a direct consequence, and I anticipate further repercussions will become evident.”

As scientists, policymakers, and the global community grapple with the urgent need to address climate change, the alarming milestone in ocean temperatures is a stark reminder of the pressing challenges ahead. The world’s oceans, which have long played a critical role in regulating the Earth’s climate, are now sending an unmistakable message that immediate action is imperative to safeguard the planet’s future.

Reference: phys.org, Barrons, Voa news

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