Friday, March 14News That Matters

Tag: sea surface temperatures

Oceans in Crisis Marine Heatwaves Surge by 240% in Just Two Years

Oceans in Crisis Marine Heatwaves Surge by 240% in Just Two Years

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment
The world’s oceans are heating up at an alarming rate, with marine heatwaves (MHWs) surging by 240% over the last two years according to a new study published in Nature Climate Change. From 2023 to 2024 nearly 10% of the world’s oceans recorded their highest-ever sea surface temperatures (SST), reaching levels four times higher than historical averages. Scientists attribute this rapid warming to human-induced climate change, El Niño, and record-low global cloud cover. The impact of prolonged MHWs has been devastating. The rising ocean temperatures contributed to heatwaves in the UK, North America, and Japan, as well as severe flooding in Ecuador, Libya, and Australia. These heatwaves also supercharged hurricanes, including Cyclone Gabrielle, which caused $14 billion in damages in New...