Ocean temperature breaks records: warming is increasing 4.5 times faster
Kyiv • UNN
Since 2019, sea surface temperature has been rising 4.5 times faster than in the 1980s. An ESA study shows an acceleration of ocean warming, requiring constant monitoring.
Since 2019, the sea surface temperature has been rising 4.5 times faster than in the late 1980s. UNN reports with reference to the European Space Agency.
Details
The sea surface temperature has been rising at an accelerated rate over the past four decades.
In the period from 1985 to 1989, warming of 0.06 C per decade was observed, while from 2019 to 2023, the sea surface temperature increased by 0.27 C per decade. This suggests that since 2019, the sea surface temperature has been rising 4.5 times faster than in the late 1980s.
The analysis, created by the ESA Climate Change Initiative (CCI), was achieved using observations from 20 infrared radiometers and two microwave radiometers installed on satellites such as ERS-1, ERS-2, Envisat and Sentinel-3. The instruments provided a detailed and consistent view of how sea temperatures are changing globally.
Extreme weather in 2024 led to the largest displacement of people19.03.25, 10:29 • 10381 view
The study analyzes various factors that affect ocean warming, from weather phenomena such as El Niño to volcanic eruptions.
What affects the increase in sea surface temperature
Lead author of the study Chris Merchant (University of Reading, UK) explains:
Greenhouse gases trap heat in our atmosphere, which leads to an imbalance in the energy our planet receives from the Sun, as well as the energy radiated back into space. The consequence is an excessive energy imbalance.
This energy imbalance causes climate change. Given the accelerating ocean warming and changing climate dynamics, we need constant monitoring and data improvement to ensure that our climate models can accurately reflect future temperature increases.
Addendum
The results of this study will contribute to the ESA MOTECUSOMA scientific project, which explores the Earth's energy imbalance and its impact on climate change.
Let us remind you
Extreme heat in Australia due to climate change causes not only physical but also psychological harm to the population. By 2050, the burden of mental disorders may increase to 49%.
The expected transition to La Niña in the Pacific Ocean is delayed until November-December with a probability of 60%. El Niño may persist until March 2025, which will affect global weather conditions.
Due to warming electricity consumption is decreasing. Ukrenergo urges to use powerful appliances from 10:00 to 18:00, when solar power plants operate most efficiently.
