Oceans reach record temperature of 21.1 degrees Celsius

Average sea and ocean surface temperatures worldwide have reached their highest level since records began in 1979.

Data from the European Union’s Copernicus program show that on August 22, the global average ocean temperature reached 21.1 degrees Celsius. This record is unusual also because of when it was recorded, as the highest values are typically registered during March and April, after summer in the Southern Hemisphere.

The previous record was 21.09 degrees Celsius, recorded in March 2024. Climatologist Stefan Rahmstorf, from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, attributes the new record mainly to global warming driven by greenhouse gas emissions, particularly those resulting from the burning of oil, natural gas and coal.

El Niño, a climate phenomenon that occurs periodically in the Pacific Ocean and affects tropical areas most strongly, is also contributing to rising temperatures. According to Samantha Burgess, Copernicus’s strategic climate lead, the phenomenon is further intensifying ocean warming.

The uninterrupted rise in temperatures is placing increasing pressure on marine ecosystems and coastal communities. Among the most serious consequences is the damage and destruction of coral reefs worldwide, which is seen as one of the main risks posed by climate change.

Copernicus warns that warmer seawater could also increase the likelihood of extreme weather events. A warmer ocean releases more heat and moisture into the atmosphere, favoring heavier rainfall and more powerful storms.

Meanwhile, rising ocean temperatures may reduce their ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This weakens one of the most important natural mechanisms for limiting climate change.