The world's oceans absorbed a record 23 zettajoules of heat last year, an amount almost 40 times greater than all the energy humanity used, according to a new report highlighting rising seas and continuing acidification.
Key facts
- A record 23 zettajoules of heat was added to the world's seas last year.
- The thermal energy was almost 40 times greater than all the energy used by humanity that year.
- The warming comes amid rising sea levels and continuing ocean acidification.
- The report describes far-reaching changes to water bodies fundamental to life on Earth.
The world’s oceans absorbed a record-breaking 23 zettajoules of heat last year, leaving the seas hotter, higher and less hospitable, according to a report covered by the Guardian.
The scale of the thermal energy was described as explosive. According to the report, the amount of heat sunk into the oceans was almost 40 times greater than all the energy used by humanity during the same year.
The Guardian reports that the heating comes amid far-reaching changes to the deep water bodies that are fundamental to life on Earth. The oceans play a central role in regulating the planet’s climate and supporting marine ecosystems.
The report links the surge in ocean heat to an increasing rise in sea levels. Warmer water expands, contributing to higher seas alongside other factors affecting coastal regions worldwide.
Alongside warming and rising levels, the report points to continuing acidification of the oceans. These combined changes make ocean waters less hospitable, according to the findings described by the Guardian.
The record figure underscores the persistent accumulation of heat in the marine environment, a trend that researchers continue to monitor closely as a key indicator of broader climate change.
Why it matters
The oceans absorb the vast majority of excess heat trapped in the climate system, making ocean temperatures a crucial measure of global warming. Record heat uptake drives rising sea levels and acidification, with consequences for coastal communities and marine life that depend on healthy waters.
Frequently asked questions
How much heat did the world's oceans absorb last year?
A record-breaking 23 zettajoules of heat was added to the world's seas last year, according to the report.
How does ocean heat compare to human energy use?
The thermal energy absorbed by the oceans was almost 40 times greater than all the energy used by humanity that year, according to the report.
What other ocean changes does the report highlight?
The report points to rising sea levels and continuing acidification, which together are making ocean waters hotter, higher and less hospitable.