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Korea's surrounding seas are warming at a rate twice as fast as the global average, with a sharp increase in sea surface temperatures over the past 10 years. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on the 3rd, the sea surface temperature around Korea rose 0.87 degrees Celsius from 2012 to 2021, which is 2.02 times the global average of 0.43 degrees. The NOAA has been monitoring global sea surface temperatures since 1981 and released the data through its official website. The sea surface temperature around Korea has been rising steadily, with an average annual increase of 0.083 degrees over the past 10 years. In particular, the sea surface temperature in 2021 was 1.18 degrees higher than the average from 1981 to 2010. The East Sea, which is a marginal sea located in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, showed a significant increase in sea surface temperature. The sea surface temperature in the East Sea rose 1.04 degrees over the past 10 years, which is 2.3 times the global average. The Yellow Sea and the East China Sea also showed a rapid increase in sea surface temperature. The Yellow Sea had an average annual increase of 0.097 degrees, and the East China Sea had an average annual increase of 0.092 degrees. The rapid warming of the seas around Korea is believed to be caused by climate change and the influence of the Pacific Ocean. The NOAA stated that the increase in sea surface temperature is having a significant impact on marine ecosystems and fisheries. The organization emphasized the need for continuous monitoring and research on sea surface temperature to better understand the impacts of climate change. The data released by the NOAA can be used as basic data for research on marine ecosystems and fisheries in Korea. The Korean government and research institutions are expected to use the data to develop strategies for adapting to climate change and managing marine resources. The NOAA's data on sea surface temperatures can be accessed through its official website.

Rivers Student, Agburum, Gets N1m as Winner of 2026 Mike Okonkwo Essay Contest

Uchechukwu Nnaike A year after 15-year-old Davina Phillips from Bloombreed School, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, emerged the overall winner of the 2025 Bishop Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition…

  • Clinton Chimenem Agburum wins 2026 Mike Okonkwo Essay Contest
  • Achieves 79% overall, 72% in first round, 85% in second
  • Prize ceremony on September 3, 2026 in Lagos

U.S. President Donald Trump's pressure on Canada to drop French as an official language has had an unexpected effect - a sharp decline in support for Quebec separatism. The movement for Quebec to become an independent country has been a decades-long issue in Canada, with pro-independence activists arguing that the mainly French-speaking province needs to be free from the rest of Canada to preserve its language and culture. In a recent development, President Trump suggested that Canada drop French as an official language, saying that only English should be used. His comments sparked widespread criticism in Canada, and Quebec nationalists also responded angrily. However, a recent survey found that support for Quebec's independence from Canada has dropped sharply, to 30 percent from 46 percent in 2017. The survey, conducted by the Léger Association, found that 60 percent of Quebec residents oppose independence. The movement for Quebec's independence has ebbed and flowed over the years, but it had been gaining strength in recent years. The sharp decline in support for independence is attributed to various factors, including a strong Canadian economy and a united front against Trump's comments. The Canadian government has taken a strong stance against Trump's suggestion, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau saying that Canada will not drop French as an official language. The Quebec provincial government has also responded strongly, with Premier François Legault saying that Quebec will not be swayed by Trump's comments. The Léger Association survey found that 71 percent of Quebec residents believe that the province's interests are best served by staying part of Canada. The survey also found that 55 percent of Quebec residents believe that the province's language and culture are not under threat. The results suggest that Quebec nationalists may be facing an uphill battle in their quest for independence. The movement for Quebec's independence has been a contentious issue in Canada for decades, with pro-independence activists arguing that the province needs to be free from the rest of Canada to preserve its language and culture. However, the recent survey suggests that Quebec residents may be rethinking their support for independence. The Canadian government has also taken steps to promote French as an official language, including increasing funding for French-language education and promoting French-language services. The Quebec provincial government has also taken steps to promote French, including making it easier for immigrants to learn the language. The Léger Association survey was conducted from February 7 to 10, and it involved 1,000 Quebec residents.

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