welt.de
Record-High North Sea Temperatures in Summer 2025
The North Sea experienced its warmest summer since 1969, with surface temperatures exceeding the long-term average by up to 2 degrees Celsius in large areas, while the Baltic Sea also showed significant warming.
- How do these temperature increases compare to previous years and what is their likely cause?
- The summer of 2025 was likely the warmest for the North Sea since 1969, surpassing the record summers of 2003 and 2014. This follows the warmest spring on record, strongly suggesting the impact of ongoing climate change.
- What were the highest recorded temperatures in the North Sea during Summer 2025, and what areas were most affected?
- In the western and southwestern North Sea, including the English Channel, surface temperatures exceeded the long-term average by up to 2 degrees Celsius. The German Bight and eastern North Sea were up to 1.3 degrees warmer. The average North Sea temperature was approximately 15.7 degrees Celsius.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of these rising sea temperatures, and how do they affect marine ecosystems?
- The Baltic Sea is warming faster than the North Sea, increasing by almost 2 degrees Celsius since 1990. Increased frequency and duration of marine heatwaves, such as the 55-day event at the Kiel Lighthouse in spring 2025, pose significant threats to marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents the information on rising sea temperatures in a factual and neutral manner. The use of direct quotes from experts at the BSH lends credibility and avoids subjective interpretations. While the headline might be considered slightly alarming, it accurately reflects the data presented.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. Terms like "exceptionally high," "extremtemperaturen," and "wärmer als üblich" are descriptive but avoid emotionally charged words. The use of statistics and direct quotes from experts reinforces the objectivity.
Bias by Omission
The article could benefit from mentioning potential consequences of these rising temperatures, such as effects on marine ecosystems or coastal communities. While the focus is on the temperature data, adding a brief section on potential impacts would provide a more complete picture. However, given the length of the article, this omission may be due to space constraints rather than bias.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article directly addresses the impact of rising sea temperatures on marine ecosystems. The unusually high temperatures in the North and Baltic Seas, exceeding long-term averages by significant margins, are a direct threat to marine life and biodiversity. The increase in marine heatwaves, their duration, and frequency, further exacerbates this negative impact. This aligns with SDG 14, Life Below Water, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.