A new federal report reveals that 2023 saw record-breaking ocean heat and dwindling cloud cover, suggesting unprecedented changes in Earth's climate.
Bob Berwyn reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- The report highlights that 94% of the world’s oceans experienced a marine heatwave in 2023.
- New classifications like "super-marine heatwaves" are being used to describe the extreme warming events.
- Last year's record-low cloud cover allowed more solar heat to reach Earth’s surface.
Key quote:
“Sometimes people classify marine heatwaves from category one to category four, but a super-marine heatwave is above all that.”
— Xungang Yin, NOAA climate researcher
Why this matters:
These unprecedented marine heatwaves and reduced cloud cover could signify a rapid shift in global climate patterns. The resulting impacts on marine ecosystems and weather could have serious, long-term consequences.
Read more: Surprise! Unexpected ocean heat waves are becoming the norm
