The ocean has shielded us from the worst of climate change. Now it is running a fever |

The Guardian UK Wednesday 17 June 2026, 10:00 UTC By Karina Von Schuckmann 1 min read

Key Points

Nearly every indicator of climate change is flashing red. But we still hold the tools available to bring the planet back into balanceThe ocean is running a fever. In 2025, the number of days of marine heatwaves – prolonged spells when the sea turns abnormally, dangerously warm – was more than triple what it was in the early 1990s.

Nearly every indicator of climate change is flashing red. But we still hold the tools available to bring the planet back into balance

The ocean is running a fever. In 2025, the number of days of marine heatwaves – prolonged spells when the sea turns abnormally, dangerously warm – was more than triple what it was in the early 1990s.

These are not abstract statistics. A severe and persistent marine heatwave bleaches coral reefs, strips away the kelp forests that shelter young fish, empties fishing grounds and – if occurring frequently – can tip whole ecosystems past the point of recovery.

Karina Von Schuckmann is an IGCC author and senior adviser of Mercator Ocean International

Karina Von Schuckmann (PERSON) IGCC (ORG) Mercator Ocean International Continue (ORG)

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