Critical Atlantic current significantly more likely to collapse than thought

"We found that the Amoc is going to decline more than expected compared to the average of all climate models. This means we have an Amoc that is closer to a tipping point."

"A collapse would shift the tropical rainfall belt on which many millions of people rely to grow their food, plunge western Europe into extreme cold winters and summer droughts, and add 50-100cm to already rising sea levels around the Atlantic."

New research indicates that the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (Amoc) is at a higher risk of collapse than previously believed. Current climate models suggest a significant slowdown of 42% to 58% by 2100, which could lead to catastrophic consequences. The Amoc, crucial for global climate, is already at its weakest in 1,600 years. A collapse would disrupt rainfall patterns, cause extreme cold in western Europe, and raise sea levels significantly. Warning signs of a tipping point have been observed since 2021.

Read at www.theguardian.com