Study finds extreme marine heatwaves have tripled in last 80 years

A new study shows that extreme heatwaves in the ocean are now happening three times more often than they did 80 years ago. Scientists studied ocean temperatures from the past and found that these dangerous heat events have become more frequent and intense because of climate change.

Researchers from several universities and climate institutes worked together on this study. They collected data from ships, buoys, and satellites to measure ocean temperatures over the past century. The team focused on extreme marine heatwaves—periods when sea temperatures rise much higher than normal for several days or weeks.

Dr. Laura Thompson, the lead author of the study, explained the findings. She said, “Our oceans are heating up, and this warming is causing more marine heatwaves. We found that today’s oceans experience about three times more extreme heat events compared to the 1940s.”

These heatwaves can cause serious problems for marine life. High temperatures can damage coral reefs, kill fish, and disturb the food chain. In some areas, these changes have hurt fishing industries and affected the communities that depend on the sea for their income and food.

The study also found that the most extreme heatwaves have become hotter and lasted longer in recent years. In the past, such events happened rarely, but now they can occur every few years. Some parts of the ocean are more affected than others, especially areas near the equator and coastal regions.

Dr. Thompson said that reducing greenhouse gas emissions can help slow down ocean warming. “If we lower carbon pollution, we can reduce the number and strength of future heatwaves,” she said. “We still have time to protect ocean life, but we must act quickly.”

The study warns that if humans continue to release large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, marine heatwaves will keep getting worse. Scientists are urging world leaders to take stronger action to fight climate change and protect the health of the world’s oceans.