Human-caused climate change was the main force behind record-breaking sea temperatures around Europe this summer, according to a World Weather Attribution analysis released on Wednesday. The researchers found that global warming added about 2 degrees Celsius to Mediterranean waters and roughly 1.4 degrees to western European seas, intensifying marine heatwaves that threaten ecosystems, fisheries and coastal communities.
The study examined the Celtic Sea, the Bay of Biscay and Iberian coast, and the western and eastern Mediterranean. It concluded that the peak temperatures recorded in three of those regions would have been virtually impossible without human influence. In the Celtic Sea, comparable extremes would have occurred only about once in a century in a climate without human-caused warming.
Observations underline the scale of the event. The Mediterranean averaged 27 degrees Celsius in July, its highest July reading on record, while a buoy near Mallorca measured 33 degrees in early August. The analysis estimated that about 90 percent of the Bay of Biscay and 80 percent of the western Mediterranean experienced marine heatwave conditions this year, compared with about 40 percent in a world without global warming.
Scientists attributed the higher baseline mainly to greenhouse gases released by burning fossil fuels. The World Meteorological Organization estimates that average global temperature is now around 1.4 degrees above pre-industrial levels. Copernicus has also reported record global sea-surface warmth for this time of year, with developing El Niño conditions adding natural variability to the long-term human-driven trend.
Warmer seas can kill corals, sponges, seagrass and other organisms, shift fish populations toward cooler waters and disrupt food chains supporting birds and mammals. They can also raise coastal humidity and overnight temperatures, add energy and moisture to storms, and increase risks for fishing and tourism. Marine ecologist John Bruno said many species are rapidly approaching their biological limits of adaptation.
The researchers warned that the consequences extend beyond isolated temperature records because prolonged heat can reshape habitats and livelihoods. Continuous monitoring will show how long the conditions persist, but the analysis says deeper warming will remain likely while greenhouse gas emissions continue. Scientists said cutting fossil-fuel emissions is essential to limit future marine heat, alongside measures that protect habitats and help coastal economies adapt.
Comments