Collapse of AMOC ocean current may be locked in
7 hours ago
- #AMOC collapse
- #emissions urgency
- #climate tipping point
- Potential collapse of the Atlantic Ocean currents (AMOC) may already be inevitable, with a 10-23% chance based on model simulations.
- AMOC regulates climate in Europe, Africa, and the Americas; weakening signs include slowing currents due to Greenland ice melt reducing water density.
- Collapse could plunge Europe into near-Arctic conditions and weaken global monsoons, with tipping points possible within decades.
- Simulations show higher collapse probabilities (up to 80%) if net-zero emissions are delayed, and collapse could occur an average of 84 years after commitment.
- Urgent emissions cuts are recommended to reduce risks, as slowdown may be reversible with sufficient CO2 reduction, though model limitations exist.