Climatologists are raising alarm signals. Ocean temperatures have reached a record average
New alarm signals are coming from climatologists. Ocean temperatures have reached a near-record average of almost 21 degrees Celsius, according to data from the European Union's climate observatory.
This could have significant consequences, given that oceans play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate.
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Billions of people from all continents are facing one of the hottest summers of their lives. While many believe scorching temperatures are normal during the warm season, some experts believe this summer could be a "new turning point" in climate change, with the situation worsening in the coming decades.
Stephen Escudero, Miami resident: "I've always been concerned about climate change, but now I feel like we're in that irreversible situation people have been talking about for a long time".
The average global ocean temperature has reached the highest level in history this week, at 20.96 degrees Celsius, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service. And it won't cool down anytime soon, as the El Niño phenomenon, which tends to warm global waters, has just begun.
In this context, some marine species will seek cooler areas, disrupting the food chain. Certain fish stocks could be threatened, thereby affecting food security in certain regions around the world.
Simon Brassell, Professor of Sciences at Indiana University: "The Earth's climate system is changing due to high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, reaching an unprecedented value in human history. The effects of increasing global temperatures are evident in reports of record temperatures, heatwaves and devastating fires. Other consequences are less apparent, such as changes in ocean currents".
Corals can survive up to a maximum of 29 degrees Celsius. However, in southern Florida, temperatures have even reached 38 degrees Celsius, endangering the world's third-largest coral reef. Those there are doing everything possible to save it.
Dr. Katey Lesneski, biologist: "By relocating to deeper and cooler waters, we hope that these corals will have a better chance of survival in the coming weeks".
The corals in Florida serve as a safeguard for coastal areas during tropical cyclones.
