Surge in Sea Surface Temperatures of the World's Oceans

• 29 Apr 2023

Recently, a study has reported a considerable surge in the sea surface temperatures of the world's oceans since early March 2023.

• Causes: The study has found that the significant rise in sea surface temperatures of the world's oceans since early March 2023 to late April 2023 is attributed to a natural El Nino event combined with a rebound from a three-year cooling La Nina, on top of global warming effects.
• Marine Heat Waves: While some scientists believe that the warming is solely due to El Nino, others have pointed to marine heat waves in areas such as the northern Pacific near Alaska and off the coast of Spain as evidence of an unusual pattern.
• Implications: The warming trend is significant because the world's oceans cover 71% of the Earth's surface, and it has the potential to cause damage to marine ecosystems, coral reefs, and fish populations, as well as increase the risk of more severe weather events such as hurricanes and typhoons.
• Need for Urgent Action: The study serves as a reminder that the world must take urgent action to address the climate crisis and its impact on the planet's oceans and ecosystems.