Scientists warn that 2023's extreme ocean heat may signal a major climate shift

A new federal report reveals that 2023 saw record-breaking ocean heat and dwindling cloud cover, suggesting unprecedented changes in Earth's climate.

Bob Berwyn reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

The report highlights that 94% of the world’s oceans experienced a marine heatwave in 2023.
New classifications like "super-marine heatwaves" are being used to describe the extreme warming events.
Last year's record-low cloud cover allowed more solar heat to reach Earth’s surface.

Key quote:

“Sometimes people classify marine heatwaves from category one to category four, but a super-marine heatwave is above all that.”

— Xungang Yin, NOAA climate researcher

Why this matters:

These unprecedented marine heatwaves and reduced cloud cover could signify a rapid shift in global climate patterns. The resulting impacts on marine ecosystems and weather could have serious, long-term consequences.

insideclimatenews.org

Pair of rubber boots sitting in between rows of crops in a field

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As farm flooding increases, federal climate support evaporates

Federal staffing cuts, rescinded climate-focused conservation funds, and misaligned crop insurance are undermining farmers as extreme rainfall and flooding worsen across farm country. The shift is delaying on-the-ground help, sidelining resilience practices, and squeezing especially small, diversified operations.

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