Sea temperatures reached record levels this week in the latest indication of the large-scale impact of climate change.
The Copernicus Climate Change Service, EU's Earth observation programme, said that average global sea surface temperatures reached 20.96°C – well above normal for this time of year.
It comes shortly after Copernicus and others said that July was set to be the hottest month on record in terms of air temperature.
Here we look at the effects of ocean warming on everything from sea-level rises to coral reef bleaching.
What is happening with ocean temperatures?
Although only 0.01 °C above the previous record set in March 2016, the increase is particularly concerning because it has been set in the month of August.
Ocean temperatures typically peak around March, as was the case in 2016, which makes this week’s high especially anomalous.
There have been marine heatwaves across the globe recently, including off Florida, where sea surface temperatures reportedly climbed as high as 38.4°C in July. The Mediterranean has also seen temperature records broken.
Marine heatwaves are expected to increase in both frequency and severity, with resultant impacts to more vulnerable ecosystems and organisms
John Burt,
NYU Abu Dhabi
“We are seeing that there are marine heatwaves going on around the world,” said Bob Ward, of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, part of the London School of Economics.
“There are areas where the temperatures are several degrees higher than normal.”
One factor pushing up sea temperatures is that the world’s climate has entered an El Nino phase, when temperatures tend to be higher than in the opposite La Nina system, which involves cold waters being brought up from the depths of the Pacific.
However, this is not considered sufficient to account for the record temperatures. Heat from deep in the oceans could be coming up to the surface, leading to temperatures that are much higher than normal, scientists have suggested.
What effects does ocean warming have?
Water covers more than 70 per cent of the Earth’s surface and, according to figures published by Nasa, oceans have absorbed 90 per cent of the warming that has resulted from human-induced climate change.
As well as absorbing heat, the oceans also take in carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas, and so act as a brake on climate change.
UN figures indicate that oceans have absorbed about a quarter of all CO2 emissions, but warmer water cannot hold as much, which could cause temperature increases to accelerate.
“The functioning of the oceans is critically important to how the planet warms, as is the absorption of carbon into the oceans,” said Asher Minns, executive director of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at the University of East Anglia in the UK.
Heatwaves around the world – in pictures
Rising temperatures also cause oceans to expand, leading to sea-level increases, threatening coastal and island communities. The expansion of water has caused about one third of the sea level rises since 2004, according to Nasa data.
There are other factors linked to the warming of oceans that are causing sea levels to rise.
“It helps to erode and starts to melt the ice shelves around the big land ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica. The ice sheets, they’re what flow into oceans, leading to more sea level rises,” Mr Ward said.
Warmer waters in the polar regions help to melt sea ice. Mr Ward said the water off of Antarctica is currently abnormally warm, causing sea-ice levels in the region to decline.
Sea ice reflects between 50 per cent and 70 per cent of the sun’s energy, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Centre at the University of Colorado Boulder in the US, while the darker ocean reflects only 6 per cent. As a result, the loss of sea ice contributes to the warming of the climate.
Another effect of warming seas is that higher sea surface temperatures in hotter parts of the world can result in more tropical cyclones.
How are organisms affected by rising sea temperatures?
The current change in marine temperatures “is unlike anything we have seen in the past”, according to John Burt, an associate professor of biology at New York University Abu Dhabi. He added that this has created “unprecedented times” for marine organisms.
“Marine heatwaves are expected to increase in both frequency and severity, with resultant impacts to more vulnerable ecosystems and organisms in the coming two decades,” he said.
Some marine life is moving towards the poles, said Mr Ward, but not all organisms are moving together.
“That causes disruption to the ecosystem,” he said. “For instance, some fish are finding their foodstuff is less common because it’s moved away.”
Dr Burt studies coral reefs and he said that these “are considered the ecosystem most susceptible to current climate change”.
Coral lives in symbiosis with single-celled algae, called zooxanthellae, which Dr Burt said provides more than 90 per cent of its energy. During heatwaves, the coral expels the zooxanthellae and turns white, a process called bleaching.
“If the bleaching event lasts more than a few days to a week, colonies will typically start to die off,” Dr Burt said.
“Sadly, the UAE experienced several extreme bleaching events in recent years – 2017 and 2021 – and we have lost over 75 per cent of corals from many reefs across the UAE.
“My team also noted bleaching beginning last week, and it is now in full effect in Abu Dhabi waters, raising the spectre of another possible mass die off.”
Bleaching, even if not fatal, may increase disease among coral and lower reproductive output, making it harder for it to recover when a portion has died off.
“Obviously, a key mechanism driving all of these temperature changes is CO2, and therefore this adds even more urgency to efforts such as those being discussed at the upcoming Cop28 towards reductions in fossil fuel use,” Dr Burt said, referring to the UN climate change conference to be held in the UAE later this year.
“It's in the hands of our world's leaders to commit to meaningful CO2 reduction targets and to get our planet back in a state we'd be happy to hand over to our children.”
The chef's advice
Troy Payne, head chef at Abu Dhabi’s newest healthy eatery Sanderson’s in Al Seef Resort & Spa, says singles need to change their mindset about how they approach the supermarket.
“They feel like they can’t buy one cucumber,” he says. “But I can walk into a shop – I feed two people at home – and I’ll walk into a shop and I buy one cucumber, I’ll buy one onion.”
Mr Payne asks for the sticker to be placed directly on each item, rather than face the temptation of filling one of the two-kilogram capacity plastic bags on offer.
The chef also advises singletons not get too hung up on “organic”, particularly high-priced varieties that have been flown in from far-flung locales. Local produce is often grown sustainably, and far cheaper, he says.
Score
Third Test, Day 2
New Zealand 274
Pakistan 139-3 (61 ov)
Pakistan trail by 135 runs with 7 wickets remaining in the innings
The biog
Favourite hobby: I love to sing but I don’t get to sing as much nowadays sadly.
Favourite book: Anything by Sidney Sheldon.
Favourite movie: The Exorcist 2. It is a big thing in our family to sit around together and watch horror movies, I love watching them.
Favourite holiday destination: The favourite place I have been to is Florence, it is a beautiful city. My dream though has always been to visit Cyprus, I really want to go there.
Who are the Soroptimists?
The first Soroptimists club was founded in Oakland, California in 1921. The name comes from the Latin word soror which means sister, combined with optima, meaning the best.
The organisation said its name is best interpreted as ‘the best for women’.
Since then the group has grown exponentially around the world and is officially affiliated with the United Nations. The organisation also counts Queen Mathilde of Belgium among its ranks.
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
Zayed Sustainability Prize
The biog
Hobby: "It is not really a hobby but I am very curious person. I love reading and spend hours on research."
Favourite author: Malcom Gladwell
Favourite travel destination: "Antigua in the Caribbean because I have emotional attachment to it. It is where I got married."
2019 Asian Cup final
Japan v Qatar
Friday, 6pm
Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi
65
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A meeting of young minds
The 3,494 entries for the 2019 Sharjah Children Biennial come from:
435 – UAE
2,000 – China
808 – United Kingdom
165 – Argentina
38 – Lebanon
16 – Saudi Arabia
16 – Bangladesh
6 – Ireland
3 – Egypt
3 – France
2 – Sudan
1 – Kuwait
1 – Australia
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Company profile: buybackbazaar.com
Name: buybackbazaar.com
Started: January 2018
Founder(s): Pishu Ganglani and Ricky Husaini
Based: Dubai
Sector: FinTech, micro finance
Initial investment: $1 million
Zimbabwe v UAE, ODI series
All matches at the Harare Sports Club
- 1st ODI, Wednesday, April 10
- 2nd ODI, Friday, April 12
- 3rd ODI, Sunday, April 14
- 4th ODI, Sunday, April 16
Squads:
- UAE: Mohammed Naveed (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Usman, CP Rizwan, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Sultan Ahmed, Imran Haider, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed
- Zimbabwe: Peter Moor (captain), Solomon Mire, Brian Chari, Regis Chakabva, Sean Williams, Timycen Maruma, Sikandar Raza, Donald Tiripano, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara, Chris Mpofu, Craig Ervine, Brandon Mavuta, Ainsley Ndlovu, Tony Munyonga, Elton Chigumbura
ENGLAND WORLD CUP SQUAD
Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Tom Curran, Joe Denly, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The smuggler
Eldarir had arrived at JFK in January 2020 with three suitcases, containing goods he valued at $300, when he was directed to a search area.
Officers found 41 gold artefacts among the bags, including amulets from a funerary set which prepared the deceased for the afterlife.
Also found was a cartouche of a Ptolemaic king on a relief that was originally part of a royal building or temple.
The largest single group of items found in Eldarir’s cases were 400 shabtis, or figurines.
Khouli conviction
Khouli smuggled items into the US by making false declarations to customs about the country of origin and value of the items.
According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he provided “false provenances which stated that [two] Egyptian antiquities were part of a collection assembled by Khouli's father in Israel in the 1960s” when in fact “Khouli acquired the Egyptian antiquities from other dealers”.
He was sentenced to one year of probation, six months of home confinement and 200 hours of community service in 2012 after admitting buying and smuggling Egyptian antiquities, including coffins, funerary boats and limestone figures.
For sale
A number of other items said to come from the collection of Ezeldeen Taha Eldarir are currently or recently for sale.
Their provenance is described in near identical terms as the British Museum shabti: bought from Salahaddin Sirmali, "authenticated and appraised" by Hossen Rashed, then imported to the US in 1948.
- An Egyptian Mummy mask dating from 700BC-30BC, is on offer for £11,807 ($15,275) online by a seller in Mexico
- A coffin lid dating back to 664BC-332BC was offered for sale by a Colorado-based art dealer, with a starting price of $65,000
- A shabti that was on sale through a Chicago-based coin dealer, dating from 1567BC-1085BC, is up for $1,950
if you go
The flights
Etihad flies direct from Abu Dhabi to San Francisco from Dh5,760 return including taxes.
The car
Etihad Guest members get a 10 per cent worldwide discount when booking with Hertz, as well as earning miles on their rentals (more at www.hertz.com/etihad). A week's car hire costs from Dh1,500 including taxes.
The hotels
Along the route, Motel 6 (www.motel6.com) offers good value and comfort, with rooms from $55 (Dh202) per night including taxes. In Portland, the Jupiter Hotel (https://jupiterhotel.com/) has rooms from $165 (Dh606) per night including taxes. The Society Hotel https://thesocietyhotel.com/ has rooms from $130 (Dh478) per night including taxes.
More info
To keep up with constant developments in Portland, visit www.travelportland.com
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
