Surge in ocean temperatures threatens marine and human lives
Global ocean temperatures are rising beyond expectations. As water temperature rises, the oceans' ability to mitigate the climate crisis takes a hit, carbon absorption falters and hurricanes and floods become more intense
A recent article on the Jerusalem Post discusses the rise in ocean temperature in the last few months and its impact. In a discussion with Prof. Colin Price, head of Tel Aviv University's PlanNet Zero initiative, the paper explores reports of the alarming rise in temperatures and in growing duration and intensity of marine heatwaves.
In this article, Prof. Colin Price explains the critical role of the oceans in mitigating the climate crisis, by absorbing greenhouse gas emissions. Yet as water temperature rises, absorption declines, leading to more atmospheric carbon. Price compared this process to the way gas is absorbed in cold drinks. When the water warms up, it loses the ability to hold as much gas and becomes flat.
Hurricanes are directly fueled by ocean temperature. As the ocean temperatures rise, hurricanes become more intense. Warmer oceans also produce more water vapor, contributing to increased rainfall during storms, leading tofloods.
The full article is online in the Jerusalem Post, "Surge in ocean temperatures threatens marine and human lives"
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