Oceans have absorbed heat of 1.7 billion atomic bombs, scientists warn as UN summit opens in Nice
The explosive figure scientists want leaders to know about ocean warming
- Scientists warn the ocean has absorbed heat to match the energy of 1.7 billion atomic bomb explosions since the Paris Agreement, leading to record temperatures, sea ice loss, and coral bleaching.
- The UN Ocean Conference in Nice is addressing these issues, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres urging a shift "from plunder to protection" to save the oceans.
- Record sea surface temperatures, an all-time low for global sea ice, and the largest coral bleaching event ever recorded are among the most serious warnings.
- France's President Emmanuel Macron said the High Seas Treaty could be in force by January 2026 and reiterated France’s call for a moratorium on deep-sea mining.
- The UK announced it would introduce legislation by the end of the year to ratify the High Seas Treaty, while experts call for stronger integration between climate policy and marine conservation efforts.