By: Elle Shi, Grade 8
There have been new concerns about the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems and communities around the world since the world’s oceans have reached their hottest recorded average surface temperature. According to recent data from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, ocean temperatures outside the polar regions reached about a record high of 21.1 degrees Celsius on Saturday, August 22. This is especially unusual because the highest ocean temperatures normally occur earlier in the year, around March and April.
The record is significant because oceans play a major role in regulating Earth’s climate. They absorb more than 90% of the excess heat caused by greenhouse gas emissions. However, continuously rising temperatures are putting increasing pressure on marine ecosystems. Warmer waters can contribute to marine heatwaves, which can harm fish populations, coral reefs, kelp forests, and other ocean life. They can also affect coastal communities and contribute to rising sea levels.
Scientists are also watching a developing El Niño event, a natural climate pattern that causes the surface waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean to become warmer than average, which could make the effects of rising temperatures even more noticeable. Scientists expect this event to contribute to extreme weather in different regions, including droughts, wildfires, and unusually heavy rainfall.
This new temperature record is another warning sign of a changing climate. Scientists say that reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting marine ecosystems will be important in limiting future damage. As ocean temperatures continue to rise, the effects will be from underwater to the weather, wildlife, food supplies, and people living along coastlines.
