Accra:A recent report has highlighted that the rate of ocean warming has doubled over the past twenty years. This phenomenon is accompanied by the receding of sea ice, rising sea levels, and increasing ocean acidity, posing significant risks to marine ecosystems.

According to Iraqi News Agency, The report, which is the tenth from the “Copernicus” Earth observation program, sheds light on long-term changes in ocean temperatures and sea levels. It was prepared with the efforts of over 100 scientists from various countries utilizing data collected from satellites, buoys, and sensors over a span of more than 40 years. The findings suggest that island nations and coastal regions are particularly vulnerable to these changes.

The researchers noted that the world’s oceans absorb about 90% of the excess heat generated by human fossil fuel combustion. Ocean surface temperatures reached record highs between 2023 and 2026, with 2025 alone seeing an additional 23 zettajoules of heat absorbed. This record high marked the ninth consecutive year of such occurrences, with the energy absorbed equating to the power of 12 Hiroshima-sized bombs exploding every second throughout the year.

This significant increase in accumulated heat is affecting marine life, contributing to marine heatwaves, and accelerating sea-level rise. Since 1999, the global average sea level has risen approximately 3.8 millimeters annually, with a total rise nearing 10 centimeters. Furthermore, the rate of sea-level rise has been accelerating since 2012.