London, UK: The oceans have recently reached a disturbing new temperature milestone, posing a significant threat to our climate, marine ecosystems, and coastal communities. This unprecedented rise in ocean temperatures raises concerns about its far-reaching consequences for the planet.
According to the European Union climate observatory data, the temperature of the oceans’ surface hit 20.96 degrees Celsius (69.71 Fahrenheit) on 4th August 2023.
The last record was 20.95 °C (69.71 °F) in March 2016, as per the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. The average ocean temperature has beaten seasonal records since April of this year. Raising ocean temperatures will affect the migration of certain species and the spread of invasive species, which could in turn undermine food security in parts of the world.
“The ocean heatwave is an immediate threat to some marine life. We are already seeing coral bleaching in Florida as a direct result, and I expect more impacts will surface,” said Mr. Piers Forster of the International Centre for Climate at the University of Leeds.
Scientists have identified that the oceans have absorbed 90 percent of the excess heat produced by humans since the industrial age began. This excess heat has accumulated simultaneously with greenhouse gases, as per the statement.
“While there are certainly short-term factors, the main long-term cause is without a doubt the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere caused by human activity, primarily by the burning of fossil fuels,” Mr. Rowan Sutton, director of climate research at the University of Reading, remarked.
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