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Oceans Absorb Record Heat, Urging Urgent Climate Action

1/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

In 2025, Earth's oceans absorbed a record 23 zettajoules of heat.
The findings published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences show ocean heat content continues to rise and underscore the need for emission reductions to mitigate future climate impacts.
It equates to nearly 37 years of global energy use.
Global sea surface temperatures were slightly lower than in 2024 but remained the third highest on record.

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Story summary

In 2025, Earth's oceans absorbed a record 23 zettajoules of heat.
The findings published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences show ocean heat content continues to rise and underscore the need for emission reductions to mitigate future climate impacts.
It equates to nearly 37 years of global energy use.
Global sea surface temperatures were slightly lower than in 2024 but remained the third highest on record.