In alarming news, the North Atlantic Ocean has reached its hottest-ever recorded temperature of 24.9 degrees Celsius in July, weeks ahead of its usual annual peak. According to preliminary data from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the record-breaking temperature comes amid a broader trend of rising ocean temperatures globally. Typically, the North Atlantic reaches its peak temperature in early September, making this early record particularly concerning.
The previous record for the North Atlantic’s highest temperature was set in September 2022 at 24.89 degrees Celsius, but this new record surpasses it by more than one degree. Scientists at NOAA have been monitoring sea temperatures since the 1980s and are expected to confirm the findings in the coming weeks. Experts warn that the rising temperatures in the North Atlantic are expected to continue through August, and it is “highly likely” that the record will be broken again.
The situation is particularly worrying as it reflects a global trend of rising ocean temperatures caused by climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. The oceans have absorbed about 90 percent of the excess heat produced by human activity since the industrial age began, leading to a doubling of energy accumulation over the last two decades. The impact is not only limited to the North Atlantic, the Mediterranean Sea also saw its highest-ever temperature of 28.71 degrees Celsius recently. Both regions have long been recognized as hotspots for climate change.
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Experts emphasize the severity of the situation, with maritime heat waves becoming more persistent and widespread. The consequences of these rising temperatures can have far-reaching effects on marine life, weather patterns, and coastal communities. With the ocean absorbing increasing amounts of heat, there are concerns about the potential impact on global weather systems and the acceleration of climate change.
The rising ocean temperatures serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global climate action to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The effects of warming seas are not only confined to the North Atlantic or Mediterranean, they reverberate across the planet. Addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions remain critical to safeguarding our oceans and the future of our planet.
Source : ARABNEWS
