warming oceans
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Ocean temperatures hit record levels, impacting marine life
The world's oceans have set daily temperature records throughout the past year due to climate change.
Matt McGrath, Mark Poynting, and Justin Rowlatt report for BBC News.
In short:
- Ocean surface temperatures have consistently exceeded long-term averages, with recent peaks causing extensive coral bleaching.
- The elevated temperatures are largely driven by human-produced greenhouse gases, though the El Niño phenomenon has intensified the effects.
- Marine species are experiencing dramatic shifts in their environments, impacting biodiversity and ecological balance.
Key quote:
"The fact that all this heat is going into the ocean, and it's warming in some respects even more rapidly than we thought it would, is a cause for great concern."
— Prof Mike Meredith, British Antarctic Survey
Why this matters:
For marine life, the increase in water temperature can disrupt species' migration patterns, breeding cycles, and food sources. Coral reefs, often referred to as the rainforests of the sea due to their rich biodiversity, are particularly vulnerable. They suffer from bleaching events that strip them of their color and life as the algae—vital for their survival—are expelled.
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Newsletter
Ocean temperatures continue to set daily records
Record-breaking ocean temperatures are prompting scientists to explore underlying causes and potential impacts.
In short:
- Scientists observe ocean temperatures setting new highs consistently, surpassing previous records.
- Factors like climate change, El Niño, and reduced aerosol pollution from ships contribute to these temperature increases.
- Researchers aim to refine climate models and predictions by understanding these unusual temperature patterns.
Key quote:
“March 2024 continues the sequence of climate records toppling for both air temperature and ocean surface temperatures.”
— Samantha Burgess, deputy director of Copernicus
Why this matters:
As oceans absorb more heat from the atmosphere, they release larger amounts of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, into the air. This creates a dangerous feedback loop, where warmer temperatures lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions, further warming the planet and oceans.
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