ENVIRONMENT

New Scientist - A rapid rise in global sea temperatures is causing havoc across the world. It is a compelling reminder that the impacts of climate change will arrive in sudden, catastrophic bursts.Ocean temperatures have been rising steadily for decades, with our seas having absorbed much of the excess atmospheric heat generated by our relentless burning of fossil fuels. But in March 2023, almost overnight, they suddenly skyrocketed. Temperatures have since remained well above normal, reaching “hot tub” levels in some places, with disturbing consequences that suggest we have pushed ocean ecosystems to breaking point.

As we report on “How climate change has pushed our oceans to the brink of catastrophe”, the rapid rate of these changes and the severity of the havoc they are causing have taken scientists by surprise. But it should also serve as a stark reminder that the impacts of climate change won’t necessarily be slow, predictable declines but sudden cascades with grave consequences, many of which we don’t fully understand.

Consider the world’s coral reefs, which have suffered their fourth global bleaching event on record this year. At a certain point, possibly within a few years, a series of marine heatwaves will probably kill off most of the world’s corals. Their demise will spell catastrophe, both for marine life and the people who depend on reefs for food, coastal protection and income.

EcoWatch -  Cruise ships are producing higher levels of toxic air pollutants than they did before the pandemic, according to a new study by the European Federation for Transport and Environment (T&E). The analysis, “Europe’s luxury cruise ships emit as much toxic sulphur as 1bn cars,” found that despite the introduction of a sulphur cap four years ago, the 218 cruise ships operating in European waters in 2023 emitted the sulphur oxide (SOx) equivalent of a billion cars, a press release from T&E said.