Oceans are crucial in mitigating the effects of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and excess heat. However, new data suggests that they are struggling under this burden as human-caused climate change drives significant increases in the sea surface temperature’s seasonal cycle amplitude. This means that oceans are being pushed beyond their capacity to absorb the excess heat, leading to severe consequences.
A recent study in the journal Nature Climate Change confirmed that rising ocean heat content is contributing to destabilizing ice shelves and amplifying the intensity of hurricanes and tropical cyclones. Professor Mike Meredith from the British Antarctic Survey emphasized the concerning implications of oceans rapidly warming beyond expectations, leading to shortages of essential products like food and microchips.
The need for action in reducing greenhouse gas emissions is evident as a recent report from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Service revealed that global heating has caused oceans to break temperature records every day over the past year. The overall picture is one of urgency and the need for decisive action to protect the environment and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
