Report: World's Oceans Break Heat Record

Facts

• According to the EU's earth observation program Copernicus Climate Change Service, the average surface temperature of the world’s oceans hit a record-breaking 20.96C (69.73F) this week.¹
• The previous record was set in 2016. Scientists expect the temperatures to continue increasing in the coming months as oceans worldwide are usually warmest in March, not August.²
• "The fact that we've seen the record now makes me nervous about how much warmer the ocean may get between now and next March," says Dr. Samantha Burgess from Copernicus.¹
• Just last week, the Mediterranean Sea recorded its highest-ever surface temperature at 28.71C (83.67F).³
• Likewise, water temperatures off the Florida coast made headlines after hitting over 38C (100F) — a temperature seen more often in hot tubs than oceans.⁴
• Scientists are warning of the implications rising ocean temperatures can have on the rest of the planet, from impacting global weather patterns to damaging marine ecosystems.⁵

Sources: ¹BBC News, ²Euronews, ³News Track, ⁴Guardian, and ⁵Scientific American.

Narratives

• Narrative A, as provided by Guardian. Record-breaking ocean temperatures are just the tip of the iceberg and a warning sign of the chaos to come. We are quickly moving into uncharted, dangerous territory because of the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere out of greed and consumerism. Something has to be done now for our planet to survive.
• Narrative B, as provided by New York Times. Climate alarmists have been predicting the world will end because of climate change for decades. Doomsaying doesn't get us anywhere and focuses on the wrong issues. The end of the world isn't coming any time soon and the catastrophic framing of climate change does far more harm than good.

Predictions