Smith’s research, published in the Journal of Physics Communications, presents a “paradigm of quantum thermophysics” that could change our understanding of how global warming affects the oceans and, consequently, the climate.
Smith noted a worrying milestone earlier this year when the average global sea surface temperature reached a record 21.1°C. He claims that while the increase in greenhouse gas emissions is well-studied, existing models do not explain the rapid acceleration of temperature. According to Smith, ocean waters store not only heat but also quantum energy in the form of hybrid photon-water molecule pairs. This form of energy storage, which was stable until 1960, is now being disrupted by additional heat from the atmosphere, leading to accelerated warming.
Smith emphasized that this discovery could help refine climate models and improve energy use, human health, and ecological stability in warming conditions.
