Why High Global Sea Temperatures Matter

Seventy percent of the Earth's surface is enveloped by oceans, where water has an exceptional capacity to absorb vast quantities of energy. The ocean accounts for 83% of the global carbon cycle, and it has absorbed 93% of the surplus heat generated by greenhouse gas emissions since the 1970s.

The oceans of the world absorb the overwhelming majority of the heat caused by global warming, creating serious consequences for life in and around them, including humans. Water can retain a huge amount of heat, and this significant heat capacity means it requires substantial energy input to alter its temperature. This underscores the profound impact of global warming on our oceans. 

The Effects on Fish and Fisheries

Climate change poses both threats and opportunities for fish stocks and fishing activities. Projections indicate that tropical regions could experience declines of up to 40% in potential seafood catch by 2050. Conversely, higher latitude areas like the North Atlantic and North Pacific are witnessing expansions in the range of certain fish species. However, these shifts present challenges. Sustaining fishing practices necessitates the adoption of innovative approaches. Yet, the fishing industry and governments face obstacles in reaching consensus on effective management strategies. In response to the shifts, some fisheries are being certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) as meeting the standard for sustainable fishing and robust management practices and are better equipped to adapt to climate change.

The fluctuating temperatures will also impact the fish populations themselves. They rely on specific temperature conditions for their survival and reproduction. The metabolic rates of fish are closely linked to water temperature; as water becomes warmer, fish require increased food intake to sustain their bodily functions and growth. However, warmer water temperatures also lead to shifts in ecosystems, potentially resulting in insufficient prey availability. This dynamic was evident in the recent decline of Pacific cod stocks in Alaska.

The Effects on Weather

The most formidable storms on Earth, including hurricanes and tropical and extratropical cyclones, draw a substantial amount of their energy from warm, moist air near the ocean's surface. With increasing seawater temperatures, the air above becomes warmer and more saturated, increasing its energy capacity and leading to intensified storms.

The influence of rising sea temperatures on the formation of hurricanes varies depending on which regions of the ocean experience the most pronounced temperature increases. The entire agricultural industry in Norway is now preparing for a drought akin to the severity experienced in 2018, a year when yields plummeted to 40% below the norm. This is a result of the eastern North Atlantic’s recent unusually high temperatures. These temperatures are also leading to Spain, France, England, and the entirety of the Scandinavian Peninsula experiencing rain levels significantly below their usual averages.

The Effects of Rising Sea Levels

The ocean expands as it warms, leading to rising sea levels and more coastal flooding in the future. Warmer oceans lead to less sea ice, which contributes to further warming. About two-thirds of global sea level rise is caused by ice melt from Antarctica, Greenland and continental glaciers and the other one-third from overall temperature increases, though it is all correlated in one troubling cycle and snowball effect.

How Can You Report on Rising Global Sea Temperatures?

Journalists play a vital role in informing the public about the escalating issue of rising ocean temperatures and its far-reaching consequences. By delving into the complexities of this phenomenon, journalists can shed light on the significant impact of warming oceans on marine life, fisheries, weather patterns, and global sea levels. Providing accurate, comprehensive, and accessible coverage of rising ocean temperatures can help journalists empower individuals, policymakers, and communities to take informed action. They can be pushed to address this critical issue and safeguard the health and resilience of our oceans and planet for future generations.