Global ocean surface temperatures have reached the highest level in observational history.
Sea-news.az reports citing the BBC, that specialists attribute this phenomenon to human-induced climate change combined with the intensifying effects of the El Niño weather pattern. According to data from Europe’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, the average global ocean surface temperature—excluding polar regions—reached 21.1 degrees Celsius on August 22.
This figure surpasses the previous record of 21.09 degrees Celsius recorded across three separate days in March 2024. At the same time, the current temperature is significantly higher than the seasonal average for this time of year. Scientists warn that ocean warming can intensify extreme weather events, accelerate sea-level rise, and inflict severe damage on marine ecosystems.
Samantha Burgess, Deputy Director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, noted that the new record is yet another clear signal showing that the oceans are under mounting pressure. She emphasized that while El Niño introduces additional heat into the global climate system, this process unfolds against the backdrop of decades of ongoing warming driven by human activity.
