New Scientist - 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.
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