Climate change: World's oceans reach record temperature, prompting fears of worst mass bleaching

The world’s oceans have reached their highest temperature on record, raising fears that coral reefs are on the brink of a massive and potentially lethal heat shock. New satellite data from the European Copernicus Climate Change Service shows the global average sea surface temperature in February was 21.06C, higher than the previous record of 20.98C set in August last year. Maps released by the organisation show huge areas of the world's oceans were much warmer than the long-term average.

Derek Manzello, the coordinator of NOAA's Coral Reef Watch told the Reuters news agency: 'It's looking like the entirety of the Southern Hemisphere is probably going to bleach this year. 'We are literally sitting on the cusp of the worst bleaching event in the history of the planet.' Data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service also shows the global average air temperature broke the February record, reaching 13.54C.

Malaysia Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Malaysia Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

More climate records fall in world's warmest FebruaryIt's the ninth month of global temperature records in a row, driven by climate change and El Niño.
Source: BBCScienceNews - 🏆 87. / 53 Read more »

Amazon's record drought driven by climate changeThe world's largest rainforest protects us from climate change but deforestation has left it vulnerable.
Source: BBCScienceNews - 🏆 87. / 53 Read more »

Changes to Expect in February: Cost of Living Payments and MoreJanuary is (finally) almost over – here are all the changes you can expect to see in February, from government schemes to reduced bills payments. This month eight million Brits will receive cost of living payments worth £299, following previous DWP grants that have provided a lifeline for many amid the cost of living crisis. Others will benefit from 'free council tax cash-back in February, plus energy bill payment changes due to the energy price cap review. But it's not all good news. Here's what to expect this month...
Source: Netmums - 🏆 42. / 63 Read more »