Ocean Temperatures in June Highest on Record, Surpassing 2023-24 El Nino Levels
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Climate change & international agreements· Prelims·
Why in news
Global ocean surface temperatures reached record highs in June, surpassing the 2023-24 El Niño levels due to greenhouse gas accumulation.
Background
Average sea surface temperatures reached just under 21 degrees Celsius. The warming is driven by heat trapped by greenhouse gases from fossil fuel combustion and is being exacerbated by a developing El Niño event in the tropical Pacific.
Facts for Prelims
- FactAverage sea surface temperature reached just under 21 degrees Celsius in June.
- S&TEl Niño: A climate pattern characterized by the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
- EnvironmentMarine heatwaves: Periods of abnormally high sea temperatures that cause coral bleaching and disrupt marine biodiversity.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how the synergy between anthropogenic global warming and natural oscillations like El Niño poses a systemic threat to marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Ecological degradation: Accelerated coral bleaching and mass mortality of temperature-sensitive marine species.
- Coastal vulnerability: Increased frequency of intense marine heatwaves threatening artisanal fisheries and coastal infrastructure.
- Forecasting limitations: Need for high-resolution oceanic heat content monitoring to improve early warning systems for extreme weather.
Keywords: Anthropogenic warming · Marine heatwaves · Greenhouse gas forcing · El Niño Southern Oscillation · Biodiversity loss
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