marine heatwaves
Top Story
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.
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.
Read more: Surprise! Unexpected ocean heat waves are becoming the norm
Keep reading...Show less
Top Story
We’re gambling with the only good oceans in the universe
Earth’s precious water made life possible. Now it’s simmering.
Newsletter
Florida’s record-breaking sea temperatures are forcing coral to move ashore
Teams dedicated to ocean restoration are urgently moving samples to tanks on land as a marine heat wave devastates entire reefs.
Florida labs race to save coral reefs from bleaching amid soaring ocean temps
As a blistering marine heat wave persists, a full-blown emergency is unfolding along the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States.
The world is reeling from record heat and flooding. Scientists say its the cost of climate inaction
A record-hot June, followed by a disaster-packed July has climate scientists “shocked” by just how extreme the extreme weather has been, including some ocean waters feeling like “a hot tub.”
World's ocean surface temperature at all-time high
The data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has found that the average ocean temperature has been around 21.1C since the beginning of April 2023. This exceeds the highest average temperature that was 21C in 2016. Experts warn that this will lead to an increase in marine heatwaves around the world.
Boris Kasimov/Flickr/Commercial use & mods allowed
For whales and crabbers, finding balance is getting harder
As climate change causes more marine heatwaves, finding space for both is getting even more difficult.
ORIGINAL REPORTING
MOST POPULAR
CLIMATE
