Attributionsstudie: Rekordwärme in Europas Meeren geht auf Klimawandel zurück

A recent study conducted by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group reveals that record-high sea temperatures in European waters are primarily due to human-induced climate change. The study examined the July sea surface temperatures in various regions, finding that the Mediterranean Sea experienced an approximate 2-degree warming, the Gulf of Biscaya and the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula saw an approximate 1.4-degree increase, and the area surrounding Ireland and the British Isles saw an approximate 1.3-degree rise.

If it weren't for human-induced warming, which currently stands at about 1.4 degrees above pre-industrial levels, the affected areas would have experienced roughly 40 percent less heat. The study also predicts that the impact of such high ocean temperatures could damage marine ecosystems and food chains, and potentially decimate populations of marine mammals and seabirds.

Fishing communities in the southwestern England have reported a significant increase in common octopus sightings, indicating a shift in their usual habitat range to warmer waters near North Africa. The study's findings highlight the severity of the consequences of high ocean temperatures on underwater life. Furthermore, the researchers warn that the high water temperatures may exacerbate the development of severe storms, as demonstrated by the severe flooding in the Spanish region of Valencia in November 2024.

While warmer waters might be appealing to beachgoers in cooler climates, the report emphasizes that the effects on marine life beneath the surface are far more serious. Globally, ocean temperatures are also reaching record highs. According to the latest data from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the global average sea surface temperature on the previous Sunday was 21.16 degrees Celsius, which is 0.75 degrees above the average for the period 1991-2020 and 0.92 degrees above the average for the period 1982-2010.

These findings underscore the urgent need to address human-induced climate change to protect marine ecosystems and human communities that depend on them.