Sea Surface Temperatures Rising 4.5 Times Faster Than in the 1980s, ESA Satellites Reveal

Satellite observations from the European Space Agency (ESA) show that sea surface temperatures are rising at an alarming rate. Between 1985 and 1989, the oceans warmed at a rate of just 0.06°C per decade. However, between 2019 and 2023, that rate jumped to 0.27°C per decade. This means ocean surface temperatures are now increasing over four times faster than they were 40 years ago.

These findings come from a new study published in Environmental Research Letters. The research uses global satellite data compiled under ESA’s Climate Change Initiative (CCI), which spans from 1980 to 2023. The data was gathered from 20 infrared radiometers and two microwave radiometers. These instruments flew on satellites including ERS-1, ERS-2, Envisat, and Copernicus Sentinel-3.

Space Data for Climate Monitoring

To detect changes, researchers calculated monthly global mean sea surface temperatures. The study found a clear and accelerating warming trend. According to lead author Chris Merchant from the University of Reading, this change is driven mainly by rising levels of greenhouse gases. These gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. As a result, the planet absorbs more energy from the Sun than it can release back into space.

“This energy imbalance drives climate change,” Merchant explained. “We need ongoing monitoring and better data to improve our climate models.” Accurate models are essential for predicting how global temperatures will evolve in the coming decades.

Long-Term Trend Confirmed

The study also looked at natural events such as El Niño, volcanic eruptions, and solar activity. These factors cause short-term temperature changes. However, they do not alter the long-term trend. Co-author Owen Embury, who leads ESA’s sea surface temperature project, confirmed that the build-up of planetary energy is the main cause of warming.

The research contributes to ESA’s MOTECUSOMA project. This initiative investigates how Earth’s energy imbalance affects the climate system. Embury emphasized that climate projections must keep improving. The reason is clear: warming oceans fuel extreme weather, raise sea levels, and harm ecosystems.

ESA has made the full dataset publicly available through its Climate Change Initiative portal. For climate modelers, versions are also available via the Obs4MIPs framework. In short, continued satellite observation is vital for understanding and addressing climate change.