Oceans have absorbed heat of 1.7 billion atomic bombs, scientists warn as UN summit opens in Nice

Scientists warn ocean is absorbing heat equivalent to five atomic bomb explosions every second, driving record temperatures, sea ice loss and mass coral bleaching

Oceans have absorbed enough heat since the Paris Agreement was signed to match the energy of 1.7 billion atomic bomb explosions, scientists warned just as the UN Ocean Conference got underway in Nice.

The figures were shared by researchers on the sidelines of the summit where delegations from countries were working to create a global treaty for ocean conservation.

Scientists said warming was accelerating changes in marine systems, driving sea level rise, sea ice loss, and increasing marine heatwaves.

“Global warming over the last 10 years equates to about 1.7 billion atomic bomb explosions,” said Alex Sen Gupta, associate professor at the University of New South Wales.

“If we divide this by the number of seconds in 10 years, it's equivalent to about five atomic explosions worth of energy every single second. Clearly this is having an effect on the ocean – it is causing the sea level to rise, our ice systems to melt, and our atmosphere and oceans to warm.”

Cover photo:  A rainbow wrasse swims in the protected area of France's Port-Cros National Park ahead of the UN Ocean Conference (AP)