2025 Oceans Set New Heat Record, Driving Extreme Weather and Sea-Level Risks
A 2025 study finds oceans absorbed unprecedented heat—23 zettajoules more in the upper 2,000 meters—fueling extreme weather, sea-level rise, and worldwide ecosystem disruption, raising concern.
TIME MagazineThe Oceans Were Hotter Than Ever in 2025
The Guardian‘Profound impacts’: record ocean heat is intensifying climate disasters, data shows
The Guardian‘Profound impacts’: record ocean heat is intensifying climate disasters, data shows
The Guardian‘Profound impacts’: record ocean heat is intensifying climate disasters, data shows
Overview
Researchers in Advances in Atmospheric Science report that 2025 recorded unprecedented ocean heat uptake, with the upper 2,000 meters absorbing 23 zettajoules more than 2024.
Global average sea-surface temperatures in 2025 ranked third-highest on record, about 0.5°C above the 1981–2010 average, influencing atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns.
Oceans absorbed over 90% of excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions, acting as the planet's main heat sink and moderating surface air temperature rise.
Faster warming occurred in the South Atlantic, North Pacific, and Southern Ocean, intensifying sea-level rise, disrupting marine ecosystems, and increasing extreme weather severity worldwide.
Researchers warn that 2025's record ocean heat makes 2025 among the hottest years, urging urgent greenhouse gas reductions and adaptation to mounting climate risks.
Analysis
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