Global ocean temperature anomalies 1880-2020

In 2020, the global ocean surface temperature was 0.76 degrees Celsius warmer than the 20th-century average. Oceans are responsible for absorbing over 90 percent of the Earth's excess heat from global warming. Departures from average conditions are called anomalies, and temperature anomalies result from recurring weather patterns or longer-term climate change. While the extent of these temperature anomalies fluctuates annually, an upward trend has been observed over the past several decades.

Effects of climate change

Since the 1980s, every region of the world has consistently recorded increases in average temperatures. These trends coincide with significant growth in the global carbon dioxide emissions, greenhouse gas, and a driver of climate change. As temperatures rise, notable decreases in the extent of arctic sea ice have been recorded.

Outlook

An increase in emissions from the use of fossil fuels is projected for the coming decades. Nevertheless, global investments in clean energy have increased dramatically since the early 2000s.