The ocean has shielded us from the worst of climate change. Now it is running a fever | Karina Von Schuckmann
Summary
The ocean has absorbed over 90% of the extra heat caused by human activities, helping to slow down climate change’s effects on land. However, marine heatwaves are now much more frequent and severe, damaging marine life and ecosystems. This warming is a sign that the Earth’s energy balance is disrupted, causing many climate problems like rising sea levels and extreme weather.Key Facts
- Marine heatwaves in 2025 were more than three times as many as in the early 1990s.
- These heatwaves harm coral reefs, kelp forests, fishing areas, and marine ecosystems.
- The ocean absorbs over 90% of the heat trapped by greenhouse gases from human activity.
- Earth’s energy imbalance means more energy is coming in from the sun than is leaving the planet, causing warming.
- Greenhouse gas emissions and feedback effects, like melting ice and darker oceans absorbing heat, increase global warming.
- The average global temperature is about 1.37°C higher than before the Industrial Revolution.
- Sea levels have risen 23 cm since 1901, increasing risks of floods in coastal areas.
- Tracking climate change relies on science and data collection, which is now becoming harder.
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