Get the latest tech news

'We Don't Know Where the Tipping Point Is': Climate Expert on Potential Collapse of Atlantic Circulation


Scientists from 15 countries warned in an open letter that the potential collapse of the Atlantic Ocean's main circulation system (AMOC) has been "greatly underestimated" and could have devastating global impacts, according to oceanographer Stefan Rahmstorf who spoke to The Guardian. The AMOC system...

Scientists from 15 countries warned in an open letter that the potential collapse of the Atlantic Ocean's main circulation system (AMOC) has been "greatly underestimated" and could have devastating global impacts, according to oceanographer Stefan Rahmstorf who spoke to The Guardian. The AMOC system, which moves heat through the northern Atlantic and influences weather patterns across Europe, has shown signs of weakening over the past 60-70 years due to global warming, with indicators including a persistent cold spot in the northern Atlantic and record-low salt levels in seawater. Rahmstorf, who heads the Earth system analysis department at Germany's Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, estimates a 50% chance of the system reaching a critical tipping point this century, which could trigger severe consequences including regional cooling in northwestern Europe, shifting rainfall patterns, and rising sea levels.

Get the Android app

Or read this on Slashdot

Read more on:

Photo of tipping point

tipping point

Photo of atlantic

atlantic

Photo of climate expert

climate expert

Related news:

News photo

AI-generated child sexual abuse imagery reaching ‘tipping point’, says watchdog

News photo

General Atlantic Nears Deal to Buy Stake in Tech Firm Kyriba

News photo

[The Atlantic] I’m Running Out of Ways to Explain How Bad This Is: What’s happening in America today is something darker than a misinformation crisis.