Global ocean temperatures reach historic records

Global ocean temperatures have reached historic highs, marking over 100 consecutive days of extreme heat. According to data from the Copernicus Marine Service, the average sea surface temperature reached 21.11 degrees Celsius in August, surpassing the previous record of 21.01 degrees set in August 2023.

This warming trend is driven by long-term climate change and the intensification of the El Niño phenomenon. The heat has not been uniform, with marine heatwaves affecting more than a quarter of the planet's ocean surface during the early months of the year, particularly in the Mediterranean and the North Atlantic.

Experts warn that the consequences extend beyond environmental damage. Tom Pickerell of the World Resources Institute emphasizes that ocean warming is a significant economic issue, threatening food supplies through altered fish migrations, damaging tourism by degrading coral reefs, and straining energy infrastructure. These impacts are expected to be a central topic at the upcoming COP31 climate summit.