Wellington: New Zealand's oceans are warming 34% faster than the global average, posing a significant threat to the country's economy and environment, the Environment Ministry reported on Wednesday. This rapid warming could cause damage worth 180 billion local dollars (approximately $104 billion) to housing through flooding.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Environment Ministry and Stats NZ released their latest report, Our Marine Environment 2025, which warns of worsening oceanic conditions. The report highlights issues such as rising sea levels, stronger marine heat waves, and increasing acidification due to global heating, all of which threaten New Zealand's oceans and coasts.

The report outlines multiple risks arising from these marine changes, including threats to indigenous species, coastal flooding, stronger storms, and significant economic and community impacts. New Zealand's unique location makes it particularly vulnerable to climate change, with sea surface temperatures rising between 0.16-0.26°C per decade from 1982 to 2023-34% faster than the global average-due to heat absorption by the world's oceans.

Additionally, the report notes that 219,000 homes, valued at NZ$180 billion, and over NZ$26 billion in infrastructure are situated in flood-prone areas, with approximately 1,300 coastal homes at high risk from extreme weather damage. Ocean warming and acidification are adversely affecting New Zealand's $1.1 billion fishing and aquaculture sector, exacerbating toxic algae blooms in shellfish and leading to more severe, prolonged, and frequent marine heat waves.

The country has experienced unprecedented marine heat waves, resulting in mass sea sponge bleaching, bull kelp die-offs, fish strandings, and penguin deaths. The report emphasizes the urgent need for expanded research to enhance climate resilience and sustainability.