We could be in more trouble with global warming than we thought. We now have enough data from a 2007 project that put almost 4,000 Argo floats all over the ocean. These quite substantial electronic devices record ocean temperature and salinity more precisely than before. The data reveals earth is more sensitive to fossil emissions than we ever imagined.
Earth Is More Sensitive Because It Is Generating More Heat
A new study by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says “For the past 25 years, we have put about 150 times the amount of energy used to generate electricity globally into the seas.” This is 60% more than we previously thought.
Climate scientists calculate the rate of global warming by adding all the excess heat that human-related greenhouse gases produce. We have been putting far more heat into the oceans for the same amount of gas. This information from the Argo floats proves Earth is more sensitive to CO2 than we thought. This means we have to recalculate the targets for controlling global warming.
The Implications of This for Humans and the Oceans
It will be very difficult to keep within the targets set by governments in the Paris agreement. The IPCC says “Human activities must be reduced by 25% more than previously estimated.” Is this possible?
Moreover, a warming ocean holds less oxygen and could extinguish many marine systems. “There is also sea level,” the scientists warn. “If you warm the ocean more you will have more thermal expansion and therefore more sea level rise.” The heat will eventually dissipate if we start cooling the atmosphere by reducing the greenhouse effect.
However that has become a huge challenge now we know Earth is more sensitive to CO2 than we thought.
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Preview Image: Deploying an Argo Float
