Climate change causes oceans to hit record-breaking temperature

Due to climate change, the oceans have hit their hottest ever recorded temperature, with dire consequences for the planet’s health.

According to the EU’s climate change service Copernicus, the average daily global sea surface temperature beat a 2016 record this week.

It reached 20.96C. That’s far above the average for this time of year.

According to scientists, oceans are a vital climate regulator; as they absorb heat, produce half Earth’s oxygen and drive weather patterns.

Warmer waters have less ability to absorb carbon dioxide, meaning more of that planet-warming gas will stay in the atmosphere.

In this case, it can also accelerate the melting of glaciers that flow into the ocean, leading to more sea level rise.