China’s coastal waters have recorded a sea surface temperature of 21.50°C in 2024, the highest to date, coinciding with a global increase in ocean temperatures, which reached 20.87°C. This trend correlates with an upsurge in extreme weather events worldwide, as reported by numerous nations facing unprecedented temperature records in the same year.
The average sea surface temperature in China’s coastal waters has soared to an unprecedented 21.50 degrees Celsius in 2024, marking the second consecutive year of rising temperatures. This figure is 0.15 degrees Celsius above the previous year and 1.16 degrees higher than the typical annual average, according to recent data from the National Marine Environmental Forecasting Center.
Furthermore, globally, the sea surface temperature has also set a record, reaching 20.87 degrees Celsius in 2024, establishing it as the warmest year observed in terms of ocean temperatures in contemporary times, as reported by the Copernicus Climate Change Service, whose role is to monitor EU climate data. The elevation in ocean temperatures contributes to an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events and climate-related phenomena, according to the same center.
A separate report released concurrently provides alarming insights, stating that 104 nations experienced their hottest recorded temperatures in 2024. This has resulted in significant widespread extreme weather incidents, including droughts, heatwaves, and wildfires affecting diverse regions such as South Africa, South Asia, the Philippines, Brazil, Europe, and the northeastern United States. This comprehensive analysis was conducted collaboratively by 54 scientists from 31 research institutions worldwide, under the direction of the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The issue of rising ocean temperatures is a critical aspect of climate change that has garnered global attention. Increasing temperatures in coastal waters are indicative of broader climatic shifts affecting ecosystems, weather patterns, and human societies. The observed data not only reflect local changes in China but also resonate with the global trend, suggesting a growing urgency to address the causes and implications of climate change. The recent reports have emphasized the interconnectivity of ocean temperatures with extreme weather events, reinforcing the notion that climate change affects various geographical regions simultaneously.
In conclusion, the alarming rise in sea surface temperatures in China, reaching a record high, reflects a broader trend observed globally. The implications of such increases extend beyond mere statistics, contributing to heightened occurrences of extreme climatic phenomena worldwide. The collaboration among scientists and involvements from various countries underscores the pressing need for collective action to address climate change and its dangerous consequences on the planet.
Original Source: www.ecns.cn
