Evidence is presented that the recent worldwide warming of the continents has occurred largely in response to a worldwide warming of the oceans rather than as a direct response to increasing greenhouse gases (GHGs) over the continents. Atmospheric model simulations of the last half-century with prescribed observed ocean temperature changes, but without prescribed GHG changes, account for most of the continental warming. The oceanic influence has occurred through hydrodynamic-radiative teleconnections, primarily by moistening the air over the continents and increasing the downward longwave radiation at the surface. The oceans may themselves have warmed from a combination of natural and anthropogenic influences.