Scientists link record European sea temperatures to climate change

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A report from the World Weather Attribution group concluded that human-caused climate change was the primary driver of record-breaking sea temperatures across Europe, with human activity adding approximately 2 C of warming to the Mediterranean and 1.4 C to Western European seas. In July, the Mediterranean reached its highest average temperature on record at 27 C, while an offshore buoy near Mallorca recorded 33 C in early August. Scientists determined that current peak sea temperatures in the eastern and western Mediterranean and along the Bay of Biscay and Iberian coast would have been virtually impossible without human-caused warming.

Consequences

These temperature spikes threaten marine ecosystems with mass die-offs and may force species to migrate, potentially reaching the limits of biological adaptation. Furthermore, hotter seas increase coastal humidity and overnight temperatures while providing energy for more intense storms later in the year, which could disrupt the food and income sources of coastal communities.

Sources

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