The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) recorded the highest ocean temperatures ever in February 2024 at an average of 21.06 degrees Celsius.
According to data released by the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, last month’s average ERA5 surface air temperature reached 13.54°C, an increase of 0.81°C above the 1991-2020 average, showing the accelerating pace of global warming.
A Steady Climb in Ocean Temperatures
The past few years have seen a consistent rise in ocean temperatures, a trend that significantly intensified last year. Scientists link this increase to the combined impacts of long-term climate change and the temporary warming effect of El Niño.
Furthermore, February marked the global record for the hottest February ever, continuing a nine-month sequence of unparalleled highs. Carlo Buontempo, director of C3S, noted that humanity now faces climate conditions unprecedented in our history. He highlighted the immense amounts of energy and carbon absorbed by the oceans, pointing out the alarming heat levels in the upper ocean layers.
Consequences of Rising Sea Temperatures
The surge in sea temperatures has broad implications, affecting weather patterns and marine ecosystems worldwide. It leads to increased moisture in the atmosphere, fueling more intense weather events and disrupting marine life. The current El Niño event has further amplified the long-term warming trend, impacting ocean temperatures globally.
A Glimmer of Hope with La Niña?
Despite these worrying trends, there is a slight possibility of a shift towards cooler conditions. The potential return of La Niña, a cooling phenomenon, might reduce the risk of 2024 breaking the previous year’s temperature records. Forecasts suggest a transition to neutral conditions by late spring, with a possible move to La Niña during the summer. This shift could decelerate global warming for the year.
The past 12 months have been exceptionally warm, surpassing the pre-industrial era baseline by 1.5C for the first time. February continued this trend, with temperatures averaging 1.77C above the 1850-1900 benchmark. Although these figures are concerning, they remain within the “well below” 2C increase limit set by the 2015 Paris climate agreement, which measures trends over decades.
The Urgent Need for Climate Action
As February 2024 recorded the highest ocean temperatures ever, it shows the critical need for action against climate change right now. While the potential shift to La Niña might provide temporary relief, the overall trend of rising temperatures highlights the ongoing challenge of global warming.
Image Source: Flickr
