World’s oceans absorbed record heat equal to 40 times annual global energy use — SkimNews
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- World's oceans absorbed a record-breaking 23 zettajoules of heat last year, an amount equivalent to 40 times humanity's annual global energy consumption.
- The thermal energy injection left ocean waters hotter, higher, and less hospitable, occurring alongside continued sea level rise and ocean acidification, according to a report.
Why it matters: Oceans absorbing 40 times humanity's annual energy use means the planet's largest heat sink is being overwhelmed—directly driving the sea level rise and acidification that threaten coastal infrastructure and marine ecosystems, not a future risk but a measured present-day imbalance.
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