welt.de
Record High North and Baltic Sea Temperatures in Summer 2025
The German Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) reported record high sea surface temperatures in the North and Baltic Seas during summer 2025, exceeding long-term averages by up to 2 degrees Celsius, indicating accelerated climate change impacts.
- How do the 2025 temperature records compare to previous years, and what is the long-term trend?
- Summer 2025 is likely the warmest on record for the North Sea since 1969, surpassing even 2003 and 2014. The Baltic Sea has warmed nearly 2 degrees Celsius since 1990, faster than the North Sea, highlighting a significant long-term warming trend. This follows the warmest spring on record, reinforcing evidence of climate change.
- What are the implications of increased average temperatures and the rise of marine heatwaves for the future?
- The increasing frequency and duration of marine heatwaves, exemplified by the 55-day event at the Kiel Lighthouse in spring 2025, pose severe risks to marine ecosystems. Continued warming trends threaten biodiversity and the delicate balance of these vital marine environments, necessitating urgent action to mitigate climate change impacts.
- What were the peak temperature anomalies in the North and Baltic Seas during summer 2025, and what are the immediate implications?
- In the North Sea, large areas, particularly the western and southwestern regions, experienced anomalies of up to 2 degrees Celsius above the long-term average. The Baltic Sea, especially its southwestern region, saw increases of up to 1.5 degrees Celsius, exceeding 2 degrees in the far north. This indicates a substantial warming trend with potential consequences for marine ecosystems.
Cognitive Concepts
Bias by Omission
While the article focuses on the North and Baltic Seas, it doesn't mention the global context of rising sea temperatures or compare the warming trends to those observed in other regions. This omission doesn't necessarily indicate bias but limits the broader perspective.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article directly addresses the increasing temperatures in the North and Baltic Seas, which is a direct threat to marine ecosystems and biodiversity. The unusually high temperatures, exceeding averages by more than 2 degrees Celsius in some areas, represent a significant negative impact on the health of these marine environments and their inhabitants. The mention of increasing marine heatwaves further underscores the negative impact on SDG 14.