Record Ocean Heat Signals Urgent Climate Crisis, Say Researchers

INIndia|

A recent study has revealed that global sea surface temperatures soared to unprecedented levels between April 2023 and March 2024, exceeding previous records by approximately 0.25°C. According to researchers from the University of Bern, Switzerland, this event, classified as a one-in-512-year occurrence, has been attributed to ongoing global warming and human-induced climate change.

The study highlights alarming consequences of prolonged ocean heat, which includes intensified marine heatwaves that can lead to mass die-offs of marine species and accelerated coral bleaching. Researchers caution that such changes also disrupt regional climate patterns, notably affecting monsoon conditions in India, which could threaten food and water security.

Despite initial concerns that global warming may have accelerated, the study affirms that current climate models are capable of simulating these extreme temperature jumps. Projections indicate that temperatures are expected to return to the long-term warming trend by September 2025, although sea surface temperatures have remained above historical averages since mid-2024.

The findings have sparked discussions among scientists, emphasizing the need to monitor ocean temperatures closely as they continue to influence global climate systems.

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