Climate Change

The oceans are becoming less able to regulate the Earth's climate. Here's why

Due to the warming of the ocean, we have the lowest sea ice area ever recorded.

Oceans soak up 90% of the planet's excess heat. But for how much longer? Image: Pexels/ArtHouse Studio

Craig Stevens
Associate Professor in Ocean Physics, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research
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This graph shows global ocean surface temperatures, with the 2023 track at the top.
This graph shows global ocean surface temperatures, with the 2023 track at the top. Image: Climatereanalyzer.org
What satellites measure can differ from temperatures just below the surface or in the deeper ocean.
What satellites measure can differ from temperatures just below the surface or in the deeper ocean.

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An ocean turbulence sensor being deployed in rough conditions.
An ocean turbulence sensor being deployed in rough conditions.

Surface temperatures around Aotearoa NEW Zealand for May 1, 2023. The stippled areas mark marine heatwave conditions.
Surface temperatures around Aotearoa NEW Zealand for May 1, 2023. The stippled areas mark marine heatwave conditions. Image: Ben Noll/NIWA/NOAA
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