Earth’s ocean heat content (OHC) has set a new record in 2025 by absorbing an additional ~23 zettajoules (ZJ) of heat.
It marking the ninth consecutive year of record-breaking warmth.
Oceans absorbed nearly 90% of excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases, with global average sea surface temperatures ~0.5°C above the 1981–2010 average.
Impacts include increased ocean stratification, marine heat waves, intense storms, coral bleaching, and threats to marine life and ocean productivity.
The study highlights the oceans as the primary buffer of global warming and the urgent need for climate mitigation measures.