Dozens of scientists from 15 countries alert that climate change threatens the stability of one of Earth’s vital ocean currents. Their recent open letter highlights the risks to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC, which plays a key role in regulating global temperatures.
The Role of the AMOC in Global Climate
The AMOC functions as a massive heat conveyor, transporting warm water from the tropics northward and distributing warmth across the planet. This system moderates climates, particularly in northern and western Europe, where it prevents harsher cold. Experts emphasize that disruptions from rising temperatures and melting ice could weaken this circulation.
Potential Impacts of a Collapse
Should the AMOC collapse, scientists predict severe consequences, including extreme cold spells of unprecedented intensity across northern and western Europe. Such a shift would disrupt weather patterns worldwide, leading to drier conditions in some regions and heavier rainfall in others. The letter urges immediate action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and monitor ocean changes closely.
Current observations show early signs of slowdown in the AMOC, driven by factors like Arctic ice melt and altered salinity levels. Researchers call for international collaboration to model these risks and develop strategies to avert a full breakdown.
