The year 2024 marked a significant milestone as it was the first year to exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial averages, largely influenced by unprecedented marine heatwaves.
Marine heatwaves, defined by prolonged periods of elevated sea temperatures, were observed globally. Notably, the Barents Sea experienced extreme conditions throughout August, with surface temperatures soaring 4-5 degrees Celsius above normal. This phenomenon not only contributes to global temperature records but also disrupts marine ecosystems, as evidenced by a surge in sea lice affecting fish farming in Northern Norway.
These heatwaves arise when warm surface waters remain stagnant due to weak winds, allowing them to persist for months or even years. The simultaneous occurrence of marine heatwaves in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans in 2023 and 2024 has raised alarms among scientists, indicating a troubling trend linked to human-induced climate change.
As ocean temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and intensity of marine heatwaves are expected to increase, further complicating the already fragile marine ecosystems and impacting global weather patterns.