Recent research published in the journal Science Advances has set alarm bells ringing about the potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Current, or AMOC for short. But what does this mean?
If this current were to collapse, it would have catastrophic consequences worldwide
New study warning of impending climate collapse, published in Science Advances. This current plays a key role in how warm and cold water moves between oceans, and if it fails, it could lead to incredible climate changes everywhere.
The researchers call the possible collapse of the AMOC a “global shift”. If it happens, we will see extreme weather events such as scorching hot weather in the tropics, freezing temperatures across Europe and sea level rise in the North Atlantic.
The new findings claim a collapse is closer than suggested in an assessment by the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). The researchers involved argue that something must be done soon to make a difference. Otherwise, this tipping point and subsequent collapse of the AMOC could happen within the next 20-30 years.
However, the researchers do not specify a specific date or timeline for the collapse. If it happens, it will change many things in our world, including agriculture. If warm waters are unable to move north, it could allow ice from the north to slowly move further south.
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This could allow the ice to cover parts of the UK and Europe and change the temperature by between one and two degrees. This may not seem like a huge difference, but the fact remains that this small difference could easily add up and lead to more changes. Therefore, a collapse of the AMOC would be a frightening event.
Some scientists have argued that the breaking point could come as early as 2050. The date may seem far away, but any plan we can make to stop climate change will take years and a lot of money.
