Oceans Hottest Surface Temperature

In News: In a recent development, the ocean surface temperature surged to 20.96°C on July 30. This achievement surpasses the previous record of 20.95°C set in March 2016, as confirmed by a spokesperson speaking to AFP.

Latest Findings on Climate Change :

Off the Florida coast, temperatures as high as 38.3°C, akin to a jacuzzi, were recorded potentially setting a world record.
Surface waters in the North Atlantic reached a new peak average of 24.9°C based on provisional data from the US NOAA.
- Following winter, the North Atlantic’s warming trend has resulted in higher temperatures compared to previous years.
- The region serves as a critical observation point for global ocean heating trends.
Marine heatwaves have doubled in frequency since 1982, as reported by the IPCC in 2019.
The usage of coal, oil, and gas will be a central topic at the upcoming COP28 UN climate talks scheduled in Dubai by year-end.

What causes Marine Heatwaves?

The most common cause of marine heat waves are ocean currents which can build up areas of warm water and air-sea heat flux, or warming through the ocean surface from the atmosphere.
Normally, sunlight passes through the atmosphere and heats the surface of the ocean. If there are weak winds this warm water doesn’t mix with the cooler waters below. It sits on top and continues to heat leading to ocean surface temperature
A new report from the United Nations says surface temperatures for the world’s oceans are rising at an alarming pace, causing marine “heatwaves” and accelerating sea levels that threaten fishing economies.

What are the Impacts of increasing temperature of Ocean Surface ?

marine species and ecosystems

Rising temperatures pose high risks to marine fish, seabirds, and marine mammals, leading to mortality and habitat loss.
Species face mass movements due to the search for suitable environmental conditions.
Mass bleaching events hit global reefs for three consecutive years, devastating the Great Barrier Reef.
The Great Barrier Reef lost about 50% of its corals in bleaching events of 2016 and 2017.
Ongoing bleaching events threaten coral survival; increasing temperatures intensify and frequency.
UNESCO’s 2017 assessment on World Heritage coral reefs warns that under continued greenhouse gas emissions, all 29 reef-containing sites will lose functioning coral ecosystems by century-end.

On humans

Threat to food security and livelihood: A 2012 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that marine and freshwater capture fisheries and aquaculture provide 4.3 billion people with about 15% of their animal protein. Fisheries and aquaculture are also a source of income for millions of people worldwide.
- By altering distributions of fish stocks and increasing the vulnerability of fish species to diseases, ocean warming is a serious risk to food security and people’s livelihoods globally.
Spread of disease: Warming ocean temperatures are linked to the increase and spread of diseases in marine species.
- Humans risk direct transmission of these diseases when consuming marine species, or from infections of wounds exposed in marine environments.

coastal areas

Elevated temperatures impact vegetation and vital reef builders like corals and mangroves.
These species safeguard coastlines against sea-level rise and erosion.
Low-lying Pacific island nations are especially vulnerable, facing infrastructure destruction and population displacement.
Roughly 10% of global population resides in areas under 10 meters above sea level.
Approximately 40% of the world’s population lives within 100 km of coastlines.

On climate

The rise in sea surface temperatures is causing more severe hurricanes and the intensification of El Niño events bringing droughts and floods.
Powerful storms like Hurricane Harvey (2017) and Hurricane Florence (2018) will become more common, and coastlines around the world will flood more frequently.
Warmer oceans are also less capable of absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2), reinforcing the vicious cycle of global warming.
Anticipate further temperature rise as the El Niño phenomenon, known for warming waters, is in its early stages.

Conclusion:

The world’s oceans – their temperature, chemistry, currents and life – drive global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind.
Over three billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods.
In this context, ocean health must be treated as a global issue and all nations should act in concert to implement Sustainable Development Goal: 14 i.e. to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
Thus, a global effort is imperative to reduce the effects of warmer oceans. Mitigation and Adaptation measures will help us more resilient against extreme weather events.