WORLD - A global team of scientists reported Friday that the world’s oceans absorbed a record amount of heat in 2025, raising concerns about rising sea levels, stronger storms, and coral reefs.

The accumulated heat in the oceans last year reached approximately 23 zettajoules, roughly equivalent to the world’s primary energy consumption over nearly four decades.

Researchers say this represents the highest annual reading since modern ocean temperature records began in the early 1950s.

The study, published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences, drew on data from more than 50 scientists across 31 research institutions.

Researchers combined multiple sources, including a large network of floating robotic instruments that monitor ocean changes down to 2,000 meters below the surface.

Karina von Schuckmann, a contributor to the study, explained that examining deep ocean layers, rather than just surface temperatures, provides a more accurate indicator of how oceans respond to the continuous pressures of human-caused emissions.

Oceans play a critical role in regulating Earth’s climate, absorbing around 90% of the excess heat trapped in the atmosphere by greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide.

Scientists warn that continued heat accumulation could accelerate climate impacts, including extreme weather events, sea level rise, and widespread damage to marine ecosystems.

The findings underscore the urgent need for global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the planet’s oceanic systems.