Copernicus Climate Change Service

The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service has published its latest report, finding that the world's oceans absorbed a record 23 zettajoules of heat last year, nearly 40 times humanity's total annual energy use. The report also notes that sea levels are rising faster, now reaching 4.2 millimetres per year, underlining the accelerating impact of global warming.

The latest Copernicus Climate Change Service report finds that the heat stored in the world's oceans has reached its highest recorded level. Ocean heat content is a key indicator of climate change, since the seas absorb most of the excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases. Scientists say the record underscores the continued warming of the planet and its consequences for marine life, sea levels and extreme weather.

The EU's Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service has published its latest report, finding the oceans absorbed a record 23 zettajoules of heat last year, nearly 40 times humanity's total annual energy use. Sea levels are also rising faster, reaching 4.2 millimetres per year. Environmental groups are highlighting the figures as evidence of accelerating climate change.