Recognizing that oceans are warming due to human-caused climate change.

Summary

Declares that oceans are warming and acidifying, quantifies recent and projected heat increases, and lists harms to marine life, coastal economies, and human health. It highlights measurements (about 14 zettajoules of excess ocean heat absorbed per year and ~372 zettajoules gained in the top 2,000 meters since 1955), projects 2–6 times faster warming of that layer by 2100, and links these changes to threats to coral reefs, fisheries, shell-forming organisms, phytoplankton, public health risks (like Vibrio and harmful algal blooms), and stronger storms and extreme rainfall.

• Oceans are absorbing an estimated 14 zettajoules of excess heat each year.
• The upper 2,000 meters of the ocean have accumulated roughly 372 zettajoules of heat since 1955.
• By 2100, warming of the top 2,000 meters is projected to proceed at about 2–6 times current rates.
• Ocean warming and acidification threaten marine biodiversity, coral reefs (valued at about $3.4 billion/year to the U.S.), and key species that support fisheries.
• Fisheries are likely to shift geographically, creating management and economic challenges across boundaries.
• Shell-forming organisms and phytoplankton face harm that could ripple through food webs.
• Warmer oceans increase public-health risks by expanding Vibrio bacteria and worsening harmful algal blooms, with substantial economic costs.
• Ocean warming contributes to stronger hurricanes and heavier precipitation, with observed increases in North Atlantic hurricane strength and speed.
• The resolution records scientific and economic findings but does not itself authorize spending or mandate new programs.