We Have Entered the Era of ‘Global Boiling’—Marine Wildlife, Ecosystems, and Economies Are Being Devastated
From The Observatory
The ocean absorbs 90 percent of the excess heat caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation, making it a key indicator of climate change. In February 2024, global sea surface temperatures (SST) hit a record 21.06° Celsius, surpassing the previous record of 20.98° Celsius set in August 2023. These rising temperatures, driven by greenhouse gas emissions, are causing widespread concern among scientists.
A 2024 study highlighted that ocean temperatures have steadily increased since 1980, with the Atlantic basin experiencing significant warming since 2016. Extreme SSTs in the North Atlantic in 2023 approached levels expected in a 3°C warmer world, a scenario that could lead to catastrophic consequences, including ice cap collapse and rising sea levels.
Marine heat waves intensify hurricanes and devastate ecosystems. For example, Hurricane Idalia strengthened rapidly in 2023 due to warm Gulf of Mexico waters. Coral reefs, essential for marine biodiversity, are also suffering. In 2023, extreme heat in the Florida Keys killed nearly 80 percent of staghorn coral. Similar events have harmed fisheries, with heat waves causing declines in sardines and other species vital to marine food chains.
Warmer oceans hold less carbon dioxide, worsening climate change in a vicious cycle. Marine heat waves mirror extreme land heat events, such as the record-breaking heat waves in 2023 across the U.S., Europe, and China. UN Secretary-General António Guterres declared that humanity has entered the “era of global boiling.” Despite these challenges, progress is being made. The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act invests $369 billion in reducing U.S. emissions by 40 percent by 2030. Advances in renewable energy and battery storage offer hope. Immediate action on climate policies is essential to prevent even greater harm to the planet’s oceans and ecosystems.
Read the full article “We Have Entered the Era of ‘Global Boiling’—Marine Wildlife, Ecosystems, and Economies Are Being Devastated” by David Hastings
🔭 This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.
