On June 21, global ocean temperatures outside polar regions hit a record high of 20.86°C (69.54°F), surpassing previous records from 2023 and 2024, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Office. This rise is attributed largely to greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel combustion, which limits the Earth’s heat release into space, according to climate scientist Richard Allan. The Copernicus Oceanographic Station noted a temperature of 21°C (69.8°F), exceeding past records by 0.1°C.
The study highlights rising temperatures as a significant climate change concern, exacerbated by El Niño conditions. Oceanographer Pierre-Yves Le Traon emphasized the need for continuous monitoring and adaptation to reduce greenhouse gases.
This announcement coincides with a heat wave affecting much of the U.S., with over 46 million people under heat warnings and Chicago experiencing temperatures above 90°F. Europe has also seen record high temperatures, resulting in over 1,300 excess deaths since June 21, as noted by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He warned that extreme heat events are becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change, with Europe warming at twice the global average.
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