The oceans have reached unprecedented temperatures, with 2024 marked as the warmest year on record. This alarming trend follows a record-breaking 2023, and every decade since 1984 has been warmer than the last. The implications of rising ocean temperatures are profound, leading to increased evaporation, extreme weather patterns, and significant damage to marine ecosystems, including the most extensive coral bleaching event recorded in 2024.
While the El Niño Southern Oscillation has contributed to the recent warmth, scientists are puzzled by the ocean temperatures exceeding expectations. Notably, global temperatures in 2023-2024 were approximately 0.36°F (0.2°C) higher than during the previous El Niño event in 2015-2016.
Researchers are now investigating the role of aerosols, which have been reduced significantly in recent years due to changes in industry practices. This reduction may have weakened the natural cooling effects these particles provided, allowing temperatures to rise more rapidly. The question remains whether this is a temporary surge in warming or a sign of a more alarming acceleration of climate change.
Given the extraordinary impacts, including severe weather and ecosystem destruction, urgent action is needed to mitigate carbon emissions and combat ocean warming.