February breaks ocean temperature record causing severe coral bleaching event

February witnessed unprecedented ocean temperatures, setting a new global record with an average sea surface temperature of 21.06C, surpassing the previous record set in August 2023. This alarming marine milestone was announced by the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service during the hottest February on record, which also marks the ninth consecutive month of record-breaking temperatures. Marine scientists warn of a likely fourth global mass coral bleaching event, potentially the worst in history, driven by the warming waters. This event could devastate coral reef ecosystems, leading to increased vulnerability to erosion, storms, and the collapse of fisheries. The rise in temperatures is fuelled by an El Nino climate pattern and exacerbated by human-induced climate change, affecting regions far from the typical El Nino impact zones, such as the tropical Atlantic and Indian Ocean. Additionally, Antarctic sea ice reached its third-lowest extent on record in February, indicating widespread marine ecosystem distress beyond just surface temperatures. (Reuters)