Oceans • Table.Briefings

May 26th, 2026

Sea-level rise: Expansion caused by ocean warming is the main driver

The rise in sea level is largely due to the expansion of water caused by global warming. From 1960–2023, this accounted for 43% of the rise.

By Lukas Bayer

Greenpeace-Aktivisten warnen in einer Happening-Aktion mit einem Banner vor den Folgen des Tiefseebergbaus.

Feature | Oceans

January 15th, 2026

Oceans: The implications of the UN High Seas Treaty for climate action

Environmentalists are celebrating the entry into force of the first major agreement to protect marine ecosystems beyond national jurisdiction. The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement will also help in the fight against global warming.

By Kai Schöneberg

News | Climate change

November 21st, 2025

Heat burps: The consequences of ocean temperatures in the Southern Ocean after an era of global warming

Once climate change has been tamed, the threat of another setback lurks in the Southern Ocean: It could release stored heat and cause further long-term warming, a Geomar study shows.

By Kai Schöneberg

News | Climate research

September 25th, 2025

Planetary boundaries: Ocean acidification now also in the critical range

For the first time, the planetary boundary for ocean acidification has also been exceeded. This means that seven out of nine limits are outside the stable range – with consequences for the human food supply, for example. This is according to a new PIK report.

By Alexandra Endres