Oceans are warming faster than expected, scientists say

The oceans are warming faster than previously estimated, setting a new temperature record in 2018 in a trend that is damaging marine life, according to a new report in the journal Science. New measurements, aided by an international network of 3,900 floats deployed in the oceans since 2000, showed more warming since 1971 than calculated by the latest U.N. assessment of climate change in 2013, scientists wrote. Records for ocean warming had been broken almost yearly since 2000, they said.

Class discussion: How are warmer ocean temperatures already affecting us? What are the impacts on sea life, weather and sea levels? How much of the Earth is covered by ocean? U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas, spiked last year after falling for the previous three. Do you think the world will be able to slow down or limit climate change? Are people unconcerned about the long-term effects of their actions? Would you be willing to live with much, much less to ensure the survival of future generations?