On Aug. 24 the average sea surface temperature outside polar regions reached 21.1 C, the highest value on record, Copernicus Climate Change Service data show. Copernicus scientist Dr Samantha Burgess said the record is "another clear signal of an ocean under growing stress," and noted the number of marine heatwave days globally has more than tripled since the early 1990s. The spike is being intensified by a fast-developing El Niño, which Copernicus and other agencies say is set to be the hottest in at least a century and has already contributed to low monsoon rain in India, major wildfires in Indonesia, and raised fire concerns in Australia. Warmer oceans increase sea levels through thermal expansion, transfer more energy and water vapor to the atmosphere to supercharge storms and heavy rainfall, and become less efficient at absorbing CO2. Brian O'Donnell, director of Campaign for Nature, urged rapid cuts to fossil fuel emissions and expanded protection for kelp beds, mangroves and marshes; more than 190 governments have pledged to protect at least 30 percent of the planet by 2030. The Copernicus record covers ocean areas outside the polar regions and draws on satellite-era records that begin in 1979.
