oceans

Global Heat Record for September ‘Shattered’ by Wide Margin

Global Heat Record for September ‘Shattered’ by Wide Margin

Earth’s average temperature has “shattered” the previous record for September by more than 0.9 degrees Fahrenheit, the biggest monthly margin ever recorded. According to separate analyses by climate scientists from Japan and Europe, last month temperatures all over the world were more like July, reported The Washington Post. “It’s astounding to see the previous record […]

Join our newsletter

The best of EcoWatch, right in your inbox. Sign up for our email newsletter!

    Shading Corals Four Hours a Day Could Slow Bleaching, Scientists Find

    Shading Corals Four Hours a Day Could Slow Bleaching, Scientists Find

    As the climate crisis causes global ocean temperatures to reach record highs, heat stress can lead to an increase in coral bleaching, which makes corals more susceptible to starvation and disease. Mass bleaching events are predicted to increase in severity and frequency, so scientists are trying to find solutions to protect sensitive corals. In addition […]

    Sand Dredging Is Unsustainable and Wiping Out Marine Life, UN Says

    Sand Dredging Is Unsustainable and Wiping Out Marine Life, UN Says

    Water is the most overused natural resource on Earth, but the second most might surprise you: sand. Approximately six billion tons of sand is extracted from the planet’s oceans annually, which the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) says is unsustainable and poses a serious threat to marine life. “The amount of sand we are withdrawing […]

    CDC Issues Alert on Harmful Bacteria in Coastal Waters Amid High Sea Surface Temperatures

    CDC Issues Alert on Harmful Bacteria in Coastal Waters Amid High Sea Surface Temperatures

    The CDC has issued an emergency alert over a harmful bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus, in warming coastal waters. The center noted that with extreme weather, like heat waves, flooding and severe storms, people should be careful when participating in coastal water activities. “Amid increasing water temperatures and extreme weather events (e.g., heat waves, flooding, and severe […]

    Oil Spills 101: Everything You Need to Know

    Oil Spills 101: Everything You Need to Know

    Quick Key Facts What Is Oil? Crude oil or petroleum is a liquid fossil fuel. We use it to generate electricity, heat our homes, and fuel our cars. Petroleum products supply about 35% of energy in the U.S., with transportation accounting for the largest portion. Burning fossil fuels like oil releases greenhouse gases into the […]

    Environmental Leaders From 185 Countries Launch Biodiversity Protection Fund

    Environmental Leaders From 185 Countries Launch Biodiversity Protection Fund

    In a meeting of the Global Environment Facility (GEF)’s Seventh Assembly in Vancouver, Canada on Thursday, representatives from 185 countries agreed to launch a new global conservation fund, with Canada pledging 200 million Canadian dollars and the United Kingdom contributing 10 million pounds. The United Nations is seeking contributions for the protection of 30 percent […]

    New Chumash Heritage Marine Sanctuary Proposed off California Coast

    New Chumash Heritage Marine Sanctuary Proposed off California Coast

    The first tribally nominated marine sanctuary has been proposed by the Biden administration in collaboration with the Chumash tribe. The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary would span 5,600 square miles off the coast of central California. The project is now undergoing a public comment period. The sanctuary would include an area off a 156-mile stretch […]

    China Bans All Japanese Seafood Imports as Fukushima Wastewater Is Released Into Pacific

    China Bans All Japanese Seafood Imports as Fukushima Wastewater Is Released Into Pacific

    Japan has begun discharging treated water containing radioactive tritium from the decommissioned Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean. The move led to China announcing an immediate ban on all aquatic products from the island nation. China’s customs bureau said in a statement that it was “highly concerned about the risk of radioactive […]