A satellite dataset shows sea surface temperatures rising linearly from 25.4°C in 1990 to 26.8°C in 2020. What will the temperature be in 2050 if the trend continues?

Sun, 03 May 2026 19:42:07 +0000

Tracking Rising Ocean Temperatures: A Satellite Dataset Predicts a Linear Climate Trend from 1990 to 2050 A groundbreaking satellite dataset reveals a clear and concerning trend: sea surface temperatures (SSTs) have risen linearly from 25.4°C in 1990 to 26.8°C in 2020. This 1.4°C increase over three decades—approximately 0.047°C per year—reflects broader climate change patterns driven primarily by human-induced global warming. If this consistent upward trend continues, scientists project sea surface temperatures could reach nearly 28.1°C by 2050. ## The Scientific Insight Behind the Trend Satellite-based measurements provide precise, consistent records of global sea surface temperatures, offering a reliable lens into ocean warming. The linear rise documented since 1990 aligns with expectations from established climate science. The steady increase of 0.47°C over 30 years may seem gradual, but even small temperature changes significantly impact marine ecosystems, weather patterns, and global sea levels.