Experts say oceans soaked up record heat levels in 2025
Summary
The world's oceans absorbed a record amount of heat in 2025, intensifying risks of sea level rise, storms, and coral reef damage, according to an international scientific study.
Key Points
- In 2025, the oceans absorbed a record amount of heat, equivalent to nearly four decades of global primary energy consumption.
- This heat accumulation was the highest since modern record keeping began in the early 1950s.
- Ocean warming drives sea level rise, intensifies storms by increasing atmospheric moisture, and harms coral reefs through marine heatwaves.
- Continued greenhouse gas emissions will cause ocean heat content and sea levels to keep rising, emphasizing the need for rapid emission reductions.
