What's Happening
It's only the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, and heatwaves are breaking temperature records. In the United States, dozens of cities suffered through the hottest 4th of July celebrations ever recorded, with temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. In New Jersey, dozens of people died due to heat over the weekend. European authorities linked thousands of deaths during late June to heat-related causes. And on Thursday, the European Union's Climate Change Service, Copernicus, announced that Western Europe had experienced its hottest June on record.
The oceans are also on fire. It was also the hottest June on record for the world's oceans, according to Copernicus. Nearly 40% of the world's ocean area is experiencing a marine heatwave, with intense hotspots in the Mediterranean Sea and the Pacific Ocean more than 10 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than normal. It's the latest in a wave of ocean warming that began in 2023, fueling devastating cyclones and damaging most of the world's coral reefs.
Why It Matters
The oceans absorb more than 90% of the excess heat stored by greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, causing their warming. Surface waters also exchange heat and moisture with the atmosphere, helping to drive warmer temperatures and more extreme weather. A recent study found that at least a fifth of heatwaves on land start in the ocean.
“Heat is one of the characteristics of climate change that has already arrived,” said Ruth Engel, a data scientist for environmental health and extreme heat at the World Resources Institute. “It's not something we need to prepare for 25 years from now. It's a lethal health issue now”.
The Mechanism/Science Behind It
Because climate, weather, and oceans are so interconnected, it can take months for scientists to identify the cause of any heat event. But there are some initial clues that can help researchers connect climate events to ocean heatwaves, said Zachary Labe, a scientist at Climate Central, a nonprofit research organization. For example, scientists suspect that recent heatwaves in Europe are linked to extra-warm temperatures in the Mediterranean Sea, he said. And the high temperatures and humidity that are making Floridians turn on their air conditioners are probably related to a marine heatwave with water temperatures near 90 degrees F off the state's Gulf Coast.
Bigger Context
Ocean heatwaves are a phenomenon that is becoming increasingly common due to climate change. Global warming is causing an increase in the frequency and intensity of these events, which can have devastating consequences for marine ecosystems and coastal communities. Additionally, ocean heatwaves can have a significant impact on the economy, especially in the fishing and tourism sectors.
It's essential to note that ocean heatwaves are not an isolated phenomenon but rather part of a broader pattern of global climate change. Global warming is causing an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme climate events, including heatwaves, droughts, and storms.
What Happens Next
With rising global temperatures, it's likely that ocean heatwaves will become more common and intense. This can have devastating consequences for marine ecosystems and coastal communities. Additionally, ocean heatwaves can have a significant impact on the economy, especially in the fishing and tourism sectors.
It's crucial that governments and international organizations take measures to mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This can include implementing policies to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, promoting renewable energy, and protecting natural ecosystems.
Consequences of El Niño
El Niño is a climate phenomenon that occurs when the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean move towards the coast of South America, causing an increase in temperature and humidity in the region. This can have significant consequences for the global climate, including an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme climate events.
El Niño can also have a significant impact on the economy, especially in the agriculture and fishing sectors. Additionally, El Niño can cause droughts and floods in different parts of the world, which can have devastating consequences for the affected communities.
Source / Reference
This story was originally published by Grist with the title The oceans are full of heat, and it’s coming ashore on July 10, 2026. Read the original story here.