Scientists have been voicing their concerns about the rapid temperature rise across oceans’ surfaces. They warn that a record-breaking El Niño is projected to engulf the Pacific Ocean. El Niño is a phenomenon where the ocean warms up around the South American coast but cools down in the Western Pacific, causing a significant impact on precipitation. When El Niño occurs, precipitation decreases in the West Pacific, leading to droughts in the region. Meanwhile, rainfall greatly increases in the east, along with the chances of floods and hurricanes, which endangers the livelihoods of locals. While El Niño occurs naturally with the movement of energy across Earth, global warming has intensified its destructive effects. Scientists are also pointing out that the rise in ocean temperature is continuously record-breaking. The most concerning factor is that the constant rise in current rates will reach a dangerous level by the end of 2023. As the ocean warms up, the frequent occurrence of extreme weather and the rise of sea levels may contribute to the destruction of marine ecosystems. Additionally, temperature rise will weaken the ocean’s ability to absorb greenhouse gases. Karina Von Schuckmann, a meteorologist, said in an interview with the BBC, “We still have a window where we can act, and we should use this to reduce the consequences.”