oceans

A new analysis warns that the ongoing El Nino weather pattern could be linked to close to half a million additional deaths worldwide. El Nino, the periodic warming of the Pacific Ocean, drives droughts, floods and food insecurity across large parts of Africa, Asia and Latin America. Researchers and climate commentators are urging governments to prepare humanitarian responses, with food and health systems seen as most at risk in vulnerable regions.

Hurricane Polo, brewing in the Pacific, has become so intense that scientists are openly discussing whether a Category 6 should be added to the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale, which currently tops out at Category 5. Researchers say warming oceans are producing storms that exceed existing classification limits, and Polo's strength is renewing calls to redefine how extreme hurricanes are measured.

A powerful nor'easter has flooded parts of Ocean City, prompting organizers to cancel a major festival as conditions worsen. Streets are reported underwater and officials are urging residents to avoid coastal areas. Updates are being closely followed as the storm continues to bring heavy rain, strong winds and coastal flooding to the region.

Researchers and climate communicators are highlighting that the Earth's climate system is accumulating heat at a rate equivalent to roughly four Hiroshima atomic bomb explosions per second. The figure illustrates the scale of excess energy trapped by greenhouse gases, based on measurements of ocean and atmospheric heat buildup, and is being used to make the pace of global warming more tangible to the public.

A global review has found that cigarette butts account for roughly 12% of all litter in aquatic environments, making them one of the largest single sources of pollution in oceans, rivers and lakes. The findings underscore the scale of plastic and chemical contamination from discarded cigarettes, and have prompted calls for stronger measures against tobacco product waste.

Scientists have issued what they describe as their starkest warning yet about profound changes sweeping the world's oceans, according to reports carried by major international news outlets. The warning highlights accelerating shifts in ocean conditions, though details of the findings and the specific impacts were not included in the available coverage.

The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service has published its latest report, finding that the world's oceans absorbed a record 23 zettajoules of heat last year, nearly 40 times humanity's total annual energy use. The report also notes that sea levels are rising faster, now reaching 4.2 millimetres per year, underlining the accelerating impact of global warming.

Antarctic winter sea ice has fallen to its third-lowest level on record, covering roughly a million square kilometres less than the long-term average. Scientists say global heating is the likely driver of the losses and warn the decline is now a persistent problem rather than a one-off anomaly. Researchers are watching closely for signs of a lasting shift in the Antarctic ice system, which would have consequences for global ocean circulation and sea levels.

The world's oceans are absorbing record levels of heat, prompting warnings that marine environments are 'transforming before our eyes'. Oceanographers say rising ocean temperatures signal accelerating climate change, with consequences for sea levels, weather patterns and marine ecosystems. Scientists stress that the trend shows no sign of slowing as global emissions remain high.

The world's oceans absorbed a record amount of heat in the past year, equivalent to around 40 times humanity's total annual energy use, according to reports citing new research. Scientists warn the thermal energy is driving accelerating sea level rise and continued ocean acidification, adding to concerns about the pace of climate change and its impact on marine ecosystems.

Greenpeace reports that last year the world's oceans absorbed heat equivalent to nearly 40 times all energy used by humanity. It says 84% of global coral reefs have now experienced bleaching-level heat stress, and blames fossil fuel companies and industrial meat and dairy production for driving the warming. The figures underline the ocean's role as the planet's main heat sink.

An investigation into Ocean Flower Island, China's massive luxury real estate development, examines claims that it represents the country's largest property fraud. The project, built by Evergrande on an artificial island in Hainan, was marketed as a high-end resort destination but has faced orders for demolition of illegal structures, abandoned construction, and questions over what happened to buyers' investments.

A super El Nino event is being warned about, with projections suggesting up to 4.5 lakh (450,000) deaths could result from its extreme weather impacts. Reports link the warning to climate change, raising concern across South Asia and beyond about heatwaves, droughts, floods and food insecurity as the phenomenon strengthens. Experts urge preparedness as scientists monitor ocean temperatures.

The Copernicus Ocean State Report, released Wednesday, documents rapid warming of Arctic waters, shrinking sea ice and habitat loss for wildlife at both poles. News outlets including The Japan Times are highlighting the findings, which describe profound changes across polar oceans as climate change increasingly alters marine conditions at the ends of the planet.

The world's oceans absorbed a record amount of heat in the past year, equivalent to around 40 times humanity's total annual energy use, according to reporting by The Guardian. The finding underscores how much excess energy from global warming is being taken up by seawater, driving warmer ocean temperatures with consequences for marine life, sea levels and extreme weather.

The world's oceans absorbed an extra 23 zettajoules of heat last year, setting a new record for the ninth consecutive year. Researchers note this is equivalent to the energy of roughly 12 Hiroshima bombs detonating every second for a year, underscoring the accelerating pace of global warming and the oceans' role in absorbing excess heat.