The ocean continues to absorb record amounts of heat

In the 2026/2027 edition of the report “10 New Insights in Climate Science,” more than 70 scientists from nearly 30 countries note that the ocean continues to absorb record amounts of heat. This locks in further warming for years to come and increases climate risks.

Excess heat is accumulating because the imbalance is growing between the energy received from the Sun and the energy leaving Earth. Wendy Broadgate of Future Earth says it takes decades for heat to penetrate the depths of the ocean. Current emissions are effectively locking in further warming and sea level rise.

The report’s authors note that ocean warming and sea level rise are irreversible on timescales of centuries. However, the ultimate amount of sea level rise depends largely on how quickly the world reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

The more warming exceeds 1.5°C, and the longer it remains above that level, the greater the risk of irreversible consequences. Deep and rapid emissions cuts are needed to limit these risks.

Image: NOAA Climate.gov Public domain

Translation editor: Ловушкин А.