Global oceans hit June heat record of 21°C, EU monitor reports

The European Union’s Copernicus Earth‑observation programme reported that in June the world’s oceans reached an unprecedented average surface temperature of 21 °C, the highest on record. This milestone follows a series of incremental increases documented over the past decade and marks the first time global oceanic temperatures have surpassed the 20 °C threshold on a monthly basis. Scientists attribute the rise to a combination of persistent greenhouse‑gas emissions and natural climate variability, noting that the new benchmark underscores the accelerating pace of ocean warming.

Researchers warn that the record temperature is already affecting marine biodiversity, with coral bleaching events and shifts in species distribution becoming more frequent worldwide. The emergence of a potentially strong El Niño pattern later this year could further amplify oceanic and atmospheric heat, extending the warming trend into 2026 and beyond. Continued monitoring and mitigation efforts are deemed essential to limit additional stress on marine ecosystems and to curb the projected escalation of global temperatures.