Map of the Week – Global sea surface temperature regional trend
On 10 January 2022, the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service released its annual findings which show that globally 2021 was among the seven warmest years on record. With regard to global surface air temperatures, 2021 was the fifth warmest year on record with an annual average temperature of 0.3°C above the 1991-2020 reference period, and 1.1-1.2°C above the pre-industrial level of 1850-1900. [1]
What about the ocean and seas? How has sea surface temperature evolved? Dive into the Map of the Week to learn about global sea surface temperature regional trend between 1993 and 2018. The Copernicus Marine Service’s time series shows that the average global sea surface temperature has risen at a rate of 0.016± 0.001 °C per year between 1993 and 2020. As can be seen from the map, sea surface temperature does not rise homogeneously. Some regions are more threatened than others. Ocean warming contributes to sea level rise and threatens marine ecosystems, putting people, economies and food security at risk. [2]
What can you do?
- Learn more about the ocean with the Copernicus Marine Service Ocean Explainers;
- Find out about the European Climate Pact and how you can get involved;
- Participate in the ‘Make Europe Blue’ campaign and submit your pledge for the ocean;
- Learn about the activities of the EU4Ocean Coalition and join its members to work on Ocean Literacy.
The data in this map are provided by Copernicus Marine Service.
[1] https://climate.copernicus.eu/copernicus-globally-seven-hottest-years-record-were-last-seven
[2] https://marine.copernicus.eu/explainers/phenomena-threats/ocean-warming