New Zealand’s seas are warming 34% faster than the global average

The seas and oceans astir New Zealand are warming much faster than the planetary average, according to a study published today, commissioned by the country’s government.

According to the study titled “Our Marine Environment”, New Zealand’s waters are warming 34% faster than the planetary average.

Surface temperatures successful four regions person risen by an mean of 0.16°C to 0.26°C per decade betwixt 1982 and 2023.

Researchers besides recovered a link betwixt clime change and disruptions to large water currents betwixt New Zealand and Antarctica.

The survey besides revealed that galore species—such arsenic the yellow-eyed penguins (hoiho) that unrecorded successful New Zealand—are struggling to adapt to the warmer and much acidic waters.

“Based connected these findings, we request to alteration the mode we negociate New Zealand’s marine environment,” warned Shane Gedge, marine advisor astatine the Ministry for the Environment.

“We present person capable grounds to instrumentality action, and immoderate further hold risks causing much harm to our marine ecosystems,” helium added.

Researchers besides recovered that sea level emergence is accelerating successful galore areas. It’s estimated that over 200,000 homes successful New Zealand are located successful flood-prone zones, a hazard partly attributed to this phenomenon.