The study, drawing on data from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP) at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the National Centers for Environmental Information of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), highlights the critical role the ocean plays in the Earth's climate system.

Ocean warming raises concerns

Over the past decade, each successive year has witnessed rising ocean temperatures, posing a significant threat to the planet's fragile climate balance.  The ocean, which covers 70% of the Earth's surface, absorbs 90% of the heat generated by global warming. This affects the atmosphere, leading to weather fluctuations and setting the pace of climate change.  Data from the IAP and NOAA indicate significant warming, with the IAP reporting an increase of 15 zettajoules in 2022, while NOAA records a slightly lower nine zettajoules.