Study: 2023's Record Heat Behind 'Astounding' Ocean Temperatures

Facts

• According to a study published on Thursday, Earth's ocean's temperatures increased considerably in 2023 — enough to boil away at least 2.3B Olympic-sized swimming pools.¹
• Compared to 2022, the annual mean sea surface temperature of the world's oceans rose by approximately 0.23°C (32.41°F), with the second half of last year witnessing an 'astounding' increase of over 0.3°C (32.54°F).²
• Furthermore, the heat content of the upper 2K meters of ocean globally increased by 9 to 15 zettajoules in 2023. It's estimated that the global economy consumes approximately half a zettajoule of energy per year.³
• These figures — based on data from the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Atmospheric Physics and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Centers for Environmental Information — are reportedly 'the highest ever recorded by modern instruments.'²
• Researchers behind the data said the primary cause of the exponential rise in ocean temperatures was a strong El Niño in 2023 that 'influenced warming and salinity anomaly patterns.'²
• However, as approximately 90% of the heat generated by the carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels is absorbed by the oceans, the researchers also suggest that record levels in 2023 highlight alarming trends in global heating.⁴

Sources: ¹Phys, ²SpringerLink, ³Barrons and ⁴Guardian.

Narratives

• Narrative A, as provided by Common Dreams. While the world predominantly focuses on above-water climate challenges, the ocean continues to heat to unprecedented levels. With El Niño having just arrived, it can't be overstated how dangerous the environmental consequences we are beginning to witness could become. After years of empty rhetoric with little meaningful behavioral change, now is the last chance to act before potential climate doom.
• Narrative B, as provided by Competitive Enterprise Institute. Modern-day doomsayers have predicted climate and environmental disasters for decades. None of the apocalyptic predictions have come true so far; why would this time be any different? Moreover, there's no evidence of human influence, such as burning fossil fuels, on the global surface or ocean temperatures that could disrupt the Earth's climate. Spreading lies about global warming can further social divisions.

Predictions