How rising ocean temperatures are pushing the planet into uncharted territory

In April of this year, World oceans They broke a new temperature recordThis is what worries scientists because these measurements are becoming more frequent and higher.

Experts warned at the time that this could have negative effects on the planet’s climate, marine life and coastal communities. For many species, it is as if they are immersed in Forest fire at sea.

The record average sea surface temperature was reached on April 4 this year at 21.06 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous maximum of 21.01 degrees Celsius in March 2016. On August 1, average temperatures were set at 21.03 degrees. Celsius, according to Copernicus Naval Service, It is the European entity that provides official, periodic and systematic information on the state of the oceans.

Besides the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)which uses a different database, A similar trend was also recorded In marine temperatures in recent months. Ocean warming is associated with burn Fossil fuels, such as coal, gas and oil. Polluting emissions cause ocean temperatures to rise.

Predictions about the negative effects of human-caused climate change are not uncommon, however New research published this week Scientists working for the European entity make even more alarming claims, stating that “life on planet Earth is under siege” and that “we are pushing our planetary systems towards dangerous instability.”

The study is titled “State of the Climate Report 2023: Entering Unexplored Territory” and was published in the journal Biological sciencespointing to Specific weather events in 2023 To support their findings, including exceptional heat waves around the world, historically and unprecedented warm temperatures, rising ocean temperatures, and record low levels of sea ice surrounding Antarctica.

The 12 international scientists who prepared the report noted that so far in 2023, 38 days have been recorded with average global temperatures more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Copernicus Climate Change Service in Europe noted earlier this month that 2023 is likely to be the hottest year on record.

Also according to the report The highest average temperature ever recorded on Earth was last JulyWhich may be the highest surface temperature the Earth has witnessed in the past 100,000 years.

The research team, which included scientists from the United States, Australia, Germany, Brazil, the United Kingdom, China and the Netherlands, claims that anthropogenic global warming (i.e. global warming that is caused or amplified by humans) is the main factor in recent climate changes. extreme phenomena.

Experts have taken into account that some of these events are complex and driven, at least in part, by non-human factors, including the effects of water vapor from an underwater volcano, as well as dust from Africa and the global climate pattern of the baby phenomenon. .

Researchers too They point to “minimal progress” humanity to reduce the effects of climate change resulting from human activities. “although Renewable energy consumption (solar and wind) grew by 17% between 2021 and 2022, “It is still about 15 times less than fossil fuel energy consumption,” the report said.

“Without action to address the fundamental problem that humanity is taking more from the Earth than it can safely give, we are on a path toward the potential partial collapse of natural, social and economic systems and a world suffering from unbearable heat and food shortages.” said co-lead author of the report, William Ripple, from the university’s School of Forestry. Oregon State University. “Life on our planet is clear Under siegeRipple stated.

it is expected that Rising ocean temperatures are also having other impacts on marine life, fauna and flora. Such as the migration of certain species and the spread of invasive species. This could threaten fish stocks and thus undermine food security in certain parts of the planet.

Warmer oceans are also less able to absorb carbon dioxide, reinforcing the vicious cycle of global warming. Moreover, it is likely that Temperatures rise due to the El Niño phenomenon, Which tends to warm the water, will develop

The authors say action must be taken now to avoid further extreme climate impacts: “To mitigate these past emissions and halt global warming, efforts must be directed toward eliminating emissions from fossil fuels, land-use change, and increasing carbon sequestration with nature.”

Another worrying example is that surface water in The North Atlantic Ocean reached a record average temperature of 24.9 degrees Celsius in August, According to interim data from NOAA. The North Atlantic typically does not reach its maximum temperature until September.

However, since March, the month in which the North Atlantic begins to warm after the boreal winter, temperatures have been higher than in previous years and the difference with previous records has continued to increase in recent weeks. In this way, the region has become a key point for monitoring the warming of the world’s oceans.

In July, The Mediterranean Sea broke its daily temperature recordThe average temperature is 28.71 degrees Celsius, according to the main marine research center in Spain.

Marine heat waves have become twice as frequent since 1982, according to a 2019 report from the Environment Institute. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).