In 2025, the North Sea recorded its warmest temperatures ever, with an average of 11.6°C, according to Germany’s national maritime agency (BSH). Tim Kruschke, the head of the BSH’s climate team, noted that this marked the highest temperature since records began in 1969. The agency also highlighted that the Baltic Sea experienced near-record temperatures, with an annual average of 9.7°C, which reflects a significant increase of 1.1°C compared to the long-term average from 1997 to 2021.
The BSH reported that this made 2025 the second-warmest year for the Baltic Sea since records commenced in 1990, with only 2020 being warmer. These rising sea temperatures are part of a broader trend attributed to climate change, which has intensified over recent decades.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has indicated that the rate of ocean warming has more than doubled since 1993, underscoring the urgent need for climate action. This alarming trend highlights the significant impact of climate change on marine environments, affecting both ecosystems and human activities reliant on these waters.
