The hellish heatwave in the Mediterranean is not just another summer heat for beach fun – it’s a disaster alarm! Sea surface temperatures in late June and early July regularly exceeded 30 degrees Celsius, which is 6 to 7 degrees above the average. Yes, you read that right – the sea is warmer than your local swimming pool! Scientists are shocked and worried because such extreme marine heatwaves can devastate the marine ecosystem. The Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by land, cannot cool down quickly, so the water heats up like a bathtub. The consequences? Marine algae, fish, and other species suffer, and some cannot survive these conditions. The number of days with extremely warm sea surface temperatures has tripled in the last 80 years, all due to human pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. If another heatwave hits, it will be horrific – experts warn. Warmer water also promotes the spread of harmful bacteria and algae, which can threaten humans too. Not to mention, warmer seas can intensify extreme weather events like heavy rains and floods. Greece has already banned outdoor work due to high temperatures, and wildfires are raging. This sounds like a scene from an apocalyptic movie, but it’s reality. If you think this is just another heatwave, think again. The Mediterranean has become a hotspot for climate change, and we are just spectators waiting for the next blow. So, what do you think? Share your thoughts, tell us how you cope with the scorching heat, or just drop a sarcastic comment – because if we can’t change the world, at least we can laugh while the sea boils!
