ScienceWorld’s seas absorbed a record 23 zettajoules of heat last year

The world’s oceans absorbed a record 23 zettajoules of heat last year, making them hotter, higher and less hospitable, a Copernicus report found. Sea levels rose faster between 2012 and 2025, while ocean acidity increased 17% over four decades. The report documented widespread coral bleaching, altered phytoplankton growth and failed emperor penguin breeding.

ocean warmingsea-level riseocean acidificationclimate change

TThe Guardian★★★★☆2026-09-30 06:00Original