The seas have changed for good, scientists say

In a world where "extreme" has become the norm, our oceans are facing a dire future.

Marina Koren reports for The Atlantic.

In short:

• Global ocean temperatures are hitting record highs, with significant portions experiencing heat waves, signaling a worrying trend.
• By 2100, we could see permanent oceanic heatwaves, rising sea levels, and a drastic impact on marine life due to unchecked greenhouse gas emissions.
• Significant changes in ocean currents and the potential collapse of critical systems like the AMOC could drastically alter marine ecosystems and climate patterns.

Key quote:

"What we used to consider extreme is no longer an extreme today."

— Dillon Amaya, research scientist at NOAA's Physical Sciences Laboratory

Why this matters:

Understanding the irreversible transformation of our oceans is vital for future policy and conservation efforts. These changes don't just affect marine life; they signal broader environmental shifts that will impact global weather patterns, coastal communities, and overall biodiversity.

Surprise! Unexpected ocean heat waves are becoming the norm.