The warmth of the sea
Last month, Copernicus said that the averaged global temperature over 2023 and 2024 exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius for the first time.
This did not represent a permanent violation of long-term 1.5c warming targets under the Paris Climate Agreement, but represents a clear indication that restrictions were being tested.
Scientists warn that some of the warming to the extent of over 1.5°C increases the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events such as heat waves, heavy rain and droughts.
Copernicus said January’s Arctic Ocean Ice was a low monthly record and was effectively tied to 2018. This week’s analysis from the US stated it was the second lowest in its dataset.
Overall, 2025 is not expected to follow 2023 and 2024 into history books. Scientists predict that they will rank the third hot year.
Copernicus said it will closely monitor ocean temperatures throughout 2025 with tips on how climate behaves.
The ocean is a key climate regulator and a carbon sink, and cold water helps to absorb more heat from the atmosphere and lower temperatures.
They also store 90% of the excess heat trapped by the release of human greenhouse gases.
“This fever is supposed to resurface regularly,” Nicholas said.
“I think that’s one of the questions too. Is this something that’s been happening over the past few years?”
Sea surface temperatures have been very warm over 2023 and 2024, with Copernicus saying that January reading was the second highest on record.
“That’s what’s confusing. Why are they still so warm,” Nicholas said.
