ocean warming

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humpback whales face warming oceans

Humpbacks face new challenges as the oceans heat up

Humpback whales have made a comeback in the North Pacific, but climate change now threatens their breeding and feeding grounds, potentially disrupting decades of recovery.

Riley Farrell reports for the BBC.

In short:

  • Humpback whale populations have rebounded in the Salish Sea thanks to conservation efforts, but climate change could undermine this recovery.
  • Rising ocean temperatures threaten humpbacks' breeding areas, with predictions that up to 67% of their breeding grounds may become unsuitable by the end of the century.
  • Changes in krill populations and shifting migration patterns could further complicate humpbacks' survival.

Key quote:

“I was mortified seeing breeding ground after breeding ground turning red in our simulation.”

— Hannah von Hammerstein, University of Hawaii

Why this matters:

Humpback whales are a keystone species in marine ecosystems, and their survival is closely tied to ocean health. Climate-driven changes to their habitats could have cascading effects on the entire food web, impacting biodiversity and human livelihoods alike. If we don’t address the root causes of climate change, we might witness one of the ocean's most celebrated conservation successes unravel in real time. Read more: Surprise! Unexpected ocean heat waves are becoming the norm.

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Barrier Reef experiences unprecedented ocean warming

Barrier Reef experiences unprecedented ocean warming

The Great Barrier Reef experienced its hottest ocean temperatures in 400 years over the past decade, threatening its survival.

Suman Naishadham reports for The Associated Press.

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Hurricanes less predictable more dangerous
Credit: Coast Guard News/Flickr

Hurricanes are becoming less predictable and more dangerous

Fueled by rising ocean temperatures, hurricanes are intensifying faster, lasting longer, and becoming less predictable, posing new challenges for communities worldwide.

Martha Henriques reports for the BBC.

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2024 intense hurricane season
Credit: NASA Johnson/Flickr

How an early hurricane may signal a rough storm season

Hurricane Beryl's explosive growth and record-setting intensity foretell a potentially catastrophic storm season fueled by unusually warm waters in the Atlantic and Caribbean.

Seth Borenstein reports for the Associated Press.

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Scientists warn of major ice sheet loss due to small temperature rise

Scientists warn of major ice sheet loss due to small temperature rise

A minor increase in ocean temperature could drastically accelerate ice sheet melting and raise sea levels much more than current models predict.

Damian Carrington reports for The Guardian.

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smog reductions increase warming
Credit: keso s/Flickr

Pollution from China's smog cleanup leads to unexpected ocean warming

Recent research reveals that China's air pollution cleanups have inadvertently contributed to extreme heat waves in the Pacific Ocean.

Fred Pearce reports for Yale Environment 360.

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North Atlantic's record heat waves may fuel an intense hurricane season

North Atlantic's record heat waves may fuel an intense hurricane season

A marine heat wave in the North Atlantic has set daily temperature records for over a year, raising concerns about its potential to drive an unusually severe hurricane season.

Chelsea Harvey reports for E&E News.

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