Copernicus Marine Service

The EU's Copernicus climate monitoring service reports that ocean heat reached a new record high in 2025, continuing the trend of warming seas driven by climate change. Rising ocean temperatures affect marine ecosystems, sea levels and extreme weather, and the finding is drawing attention as another indicator that global warming is accelerating despite international climate commitments.

The latest Copernicus Climate Change Service report finds that the heat stored in the world's oceans has reached its highest recorded level. Ocean heat content is a key indicator of climate change, since the seas absorb most of the excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases. Scientists say the record underscores the continued warming of the planet and its consequences for marine life, sea levels and extreme weather.