New Study Warns of Alarming Ocean Warming Trends

A recent study led by Professor Lijing Cheng from the Chinese Academy of Sciences highlights the critical role of ocean warming in climate change, Earth.com reported. The research, involving 54 scientists from seven countries, reveals that ocean heat content (OHC) reached record levels in 2024, increasing by 16 zettajoules from the previous year—equivalent to 140 times the total global electricity generated in 2023.

The ocean acts as the Earth’s primary heat reservoir, absorbing 90% of excess heat from global warming and influencing weather patterns. This ongoing warming has severe consequences, including intensified storms, droughts, and flooding, particularly in regions like the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

Experts have emphasized that increased water vapor in the atmosphere exacerbates extreme weather events, warning that without immediate intervention, the impacts of ocean warming will escalate, threatening ecosystems, communities, and economies worldwide.

The study also notes that 104 countries recorded their hottest temperatures in the past year, underscoring the urgent need for action against climate change. The findings are published in the journal Advances in Atmospheric Sciences.