The Oceans Have Never Been So Warm
Big news from the sea. The water in the oceans has never been so warm. Scientists measured about 21 degrees Celsius on average.
Why is the water so warm? Our planet is getting warmer. And this year El Niño is here. El Niño is warm water in the Pacific Ocean. It makes the sea extra warm.
Warm water is hard for sea animals. Corals turn white and get sick. Many fish swim away to cooler water. Then fishers catch less fish.
Warm oceans also give storms more power. And oceans cover 70 percent of our planet. So this news matters to everyone.
The good news: we can all help. Use less energy at home. Walk or ride your bike. Scientists watch the oceans every day. They tell us how the sea is doing.
Big words
- ocean
- A very, very big sea
- temperature
- How warm or cold something is
- coral
- Tiny sea animals that build colourful reefs
- El Niño
- Warm water in the Pacific that changes the weather
- measure
- To find out how big or warm something is
What do you think?
What is one thing you can do this week to help the oceans?
Talk about it with a grown-up, or write your answer in English.
For grown-ups
This is a real story from Associated Press (climate coverage), Copernicus Climate Change Service, rewritten for children. Read the full version for English learners at A1, A2 or B1 — with vocabulary, a grammar note and a quiz. How we write the news.
