Sponges in the Caribbean reveal underestimated global warming

Caribbean sea sponges offer new insights into the history of climate change, suggesting a higher rate of global warming than previously thought.

Raymond Zhong reports for The New York Times.

In short:

• Caribbean sea sponges, living for centuries, have been studied for climate change insights, revealing a higher global temperature increase than previously estimated.
• The sponges' chemical composition indicates a 1.7 degrees Celsius rise since the industrial age, surpassing the commonly cited 1.2 degrees.
• This new data suggests that the effects of climate change could be closer than anticipated, potentially accelerating the timeline for significant environmental impacts.

Key quote:

“Some of the impacts of climate change that we’re seeing today are quite surprising."

— Gabi Hegerl, a climate scientist at the University of Edinburgh

Why this matters:

This research connects to a larger narrative of underestimating climate change's pace and intensity.

Under assault from climate change, acidification, and a plastics barrage, the oceans get a boost from the marine reserve movement.