Global climate extremes drive record ocean heat and rising mortality

Global climate patterns are showing extreme shifts, characterized by record-breaking ocean temperatures and severe heatwaves. According to the Copernicus program, July 2026 was the hottest July ever recorded, with global sea surface temperatures reaching 21.1°C. This is 0.6°C above the 1993–2022 average, approaching the previous record of 21.2°C set in March 2024.

On land, extreme heat is driving significant human and environmental impacts. In Belgium, a late June heatwave was linked to over 2,000 excess deaths, a 48% increase. The warming climate is also contributing to an early and intense wildfire season. Experts note that oceans are absorbing the excess energy generated by human-induced global warming, which disrupts both marine ecosystems and human societies.