ACC News Brief

Climate Science South-West Pacific

WMO warns South-West Pacific ocean risks are rising

Low-lying tropical island and turquoise ocean in the South-West Pacific.
Image credit: Adrian Smith / World Meteorological Organization

What happened

The World Meteorological Organization's new regional climate report found that 2025 was the South-West Pacific's second-warmest year on record, with marine heatwaves, ocean acidification, rising seas, coral bleaching, cyclone damage, and rapid tropical glacier loss all increasing pressure on island and coastal communities.

Why it matters

The clearest adaptation signal is that marine forecasts, early warnings, and last-mile communication need to reach fisheries, coastal residents, and emergency planners before hazards compound.

What to watch

  • Further verified reporting or data from World Meteorological Organization and other primary sources.
  • How this develops in South-West Pacific, especially around Ocean Warming, Marine Heatwaves, Sea-Level Rise.

Topics

  • Ocean Warming
  • Marine Heatwaves
  • Sea-Level Rise
  • Early Warning