Our oceans are massive thermal sinks, and absorb nearly all of the excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases. 2025 marks the 9th year in a row their heat content increased—a troubling trend that is already having tangible impacts on our communities and marine ecosystems.
Warmer waters are resulting in more atmospheric moisture, driving stronger hurricanes, typhoons, and flood events. These higher temperatures also harm fish populations and coral reefs, resulting in ecosystem instability, and bring about sea level rise through thermal expansion.