As we commemorate World Oceans Day, the vital lungs of our planet face challenges. In the month May, which ranked as the second warmest on record we observed exceptionally high sea surface temperatures in ice free seas through the European Copernicus programs monitoring efforts. The presence of El Niño, a climate phenomenon occurring in the Pacific region contributed to these soaring temperatures.
Noteworthy regions experiencing heightened humidity levels included United States, East Asia, northwestern Australia and Tanzania. Additionally there was above humidity observed in southern Europe, western Iceland, southeastern and southwestern North America southeastern Africa, southern Brazil, Pakistan and New Zealand.
The latest bulletin from Copernicus also shed light on flooding occurrences in Italy (particularly Emilia Romagna) and the western Balkans. Conversely in May 2023,drought plagued parts of Europe,North America,Central Russia,eastern and southeastern Asia the Horn of Africa southern Africa,Australia and South America.
Of concern is the record low monthly minimum for Antarcticas sea ice extent which has now been reached for the third time this year (2023) marking a staggering 17 percent below average levels. The heavily impacted areas include Weddell,Bellingshausen and northern Ross.Sea ice concentrations in Amundsen Sea have exhibited than average levels.
Meanwhile the sea ice extent at the North Pole has remained close to levels a trend similar, to that witnessed in May 2022. However the warm ocean temperatures and the absence of ice, in the Arctic indicate a pressing climate emergency that requires immediate worldwide focus.
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