The EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that ocean temperatures reached a record high in February, reaching an average global sea surface temperature of 21.06 degrees Celsius.
February's average sea surface temperature exceeded the previous record set in August 2023, as per a 1979 dataset.
The record-breaking marine record was set in February, the hottest month on record, marking the ninth consecutive month with such a milestone.
Marine scientists predict a fourth global mass coral bleaching event in the Southern Hemisphere, potentially the worst in the planet's history, due to warming waters.
Heat stress causes corals to bleach, releasing algae and leaving a pale skeleton. This vulnerability makes them susceptible to starvation, disease, and death, potentially leading to the collapse of fragile reef ecosystems, erosion, storms, and inadequate fisheries.
The El Nino climate pattern, triggered by warmer Eastern Pacific surface waters, is being exacerbated by human-caused climate change.
Climate scientist Richard Allan of the University of Reading reports that sea surface temperatures are at record levels in regions far from the El Nino action center, such as the tropical Atlantic and Indian Ocean.
The speaker emphasized the significant impact of increasing greenhouse gas emissions on the atmosphere.
The global average sea surface temperature record, excluding polar oceans, shows poor conditions in these areas.
Antarctic sea ice reached its annual minimum in February, marking its third lowest extent on record, 28% below average.
C3S reports that El Nino is weakening in the equatorial Pacific, but unusually high ocean air temperatures persist.
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Climate change