Copernicus attributes the high temperatures largely to greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-based industries and noted that oceans not normally impacted by El Nino saw an unusual rise in temperatures. Near or below-average temperatures were seen in northwestern Europe, western Antarctica, parts of the United States, South America and Australia. Antarctic sea ice was the second lowest extent for July at 11% below average compared with 15% below in July last year. Global sea temperatures remain at near record highs with this July only 0.1 C below July last year, ending a 15-month consecutive new record streak. That raises the question of what is happening to the ocean outside this natural climate pattern like El Nino or La Nina events.
