Oceans

• Scientists have discovered that the long-standing climatic link between the Indian and Pacific oceans is breaking down due to human-caused global warming. • Ancient climate records indicate that while volcanic eruptions disrupted this relationship in the past, the current shift is exceptional and driven by rising temperatures. • This breakdown alters how heat and moisture move between the two largest oceans, potentially destabilizing global weather patterns and regional climates.

• A study published in the journal Science estimates that rivers delivered approximately 263,000 tons of microplastics to the world's oceans in 2022. • Researchers found that extreme rainfall events accelerate the movement of plastic into rivers, especially in developing nations with high plastic use and weak waste management. • This trend increases the volume of plastic pollution entering marine ecosystems, threatening ocean health and the food chains that support global fisheries.