The State of the Global Climate 2022 report released on April 21, 2023, highlights the occurrence of marine heatwaves and cold spells in the world’s oceans. In this article, we discuss the highlights of the State of the Global Climate 2022 report. This topic is relevant for the IAS exam environment and ecology segment of GS paper III.
State of the Global Climate 2022 Report Highlights
- Ocean Surface Affected by Marine Heatwaves and Cold Spells: In 2022, more than half (58%) of the ocean’s surface experienced at least one marine heatwave event, while a quarter (25%) of the surface underwent at least one marine cold spell.
- Comparison with Previous Years: In 2022, a large portion of the ocean experienced marine heatwaves, which was similar to the record-high percentage of the previous year, but lower than the record high in 2016.Â
- However, cold spells in the ocean have become less common over time, especially in recent years.
- Notable Extreme Marine Heatwaves: In 2022, there were really hot periods in the Laptev and Beaufort seas that were very severe and extreme.Â
- These hot periods lasted from spring to autumn.Â
- Additionally, there were very hot periods for the second year in a row in the ice edges north of Svalbard at the north pole and east of the Ross Sea at the south pole.
- Equatorial Pacific Waters: In 2022, there were significant cold spells in the equatorial Pacific waters.Â
- This happened during La Niña, a weather phenomenon that causes cooler temperatures in the region.
- Ocean Heat Content: The oceans are getting warmer, and in 2022, they had the highest amount of heat ever recorded.Â
- The top 2,000 metres of oceans warmed at a rate of almost 1.2 watts per square metre from 2006 to 2022.Â
- Below 2,000 metres, the rate of warming was about 0.0725 watts per square metre from 1992 to 2022.
- Sea-level Rise: Satellite records show that the global average sea level has been rising at a rate of approximately 3.4 millimetres per year from 1993-2022.Â
- However, during the period of 2013-2022, the rate of sea level rise has increased to 4.62 millimetres per year, which is double the rate of 2.27 millimetres per year observed from 1993-2002.
- CO2 Absorption by Oceans: Every year, around 25% of the carbon dioxide (CO2) that humans release into the atmosphere is absorbed by the oceans.Â
- When CO2 is absorbed, it changes the chemistry of the oceans and makes them more acidic. This acidity can harm marine life and the services they provide to the ecosystem.
Important Terms
What are Marine Heatwaves?
- Marine heatwaves are prolonged periods of extreme heat conditions that occur in the seas and oceans, leading to a significant increase in ocean temperature.Â
- These events can last for several days to months and affect marine ecosystems, including fish, marine mammals, and corals.Â
- Marine heatwaves are caused by several factors, including climate change, El Niño, and other oceanic and atmospheric conditions.
- Know more about marine heatwaves in the link.
About Cold Spells:
- Marine cold spells are prolonged periods of extreme cold conditions that occur in the seas and oceans.Â
- During cold spells, the ocean surface temperatures become colder than usual and may cause significant impacts on marine ecosystems, including changes in ocean currents, sea level, and marine life.Â
- The State of the Global Climate 2022 report released by the World Meteorological Organization revealed that in 2022, 25% of the ocean surface experienced at least one marine cold spell.
Conclusion:
- The report highlights the critical condition of oceans due to climate change. Marine heatwaves, cold spells, ocean heat content, sea-level rise, and ocean acidification are major concerns.
State of the Global Climate:- Download PDF Here
| Related Links | |||
| Joe Biden’s Landmark Climate Bill | UNFCC COP 27 | ||
| Heat Waves and Climate Change | Paris Agreement | ||
| List of Environment Conventions & Protocols | UPSC Environment and Ecology | ||
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