Ocean‑Heat Early‑Warning Index

Use annually updated, depth‑resolved ocean heat content (top 2,000 m) as a standardized operational indicator that triggers calibrated policy actions — e.g., elevated hurricane preparedness budgets, scaled flood‑insurance premium adjustments, emergency marine conservation funding, and fast‑track disaster permitting. The index would be published by independent climate services with predefined thresholds and recommended governmental responses. — Turning ocean heat content into an actionable policy trigger would align adaptation spending and emergency governance with an objective, high‑signal metric and reduce lag between climate science and public response.