The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a critical ocean current system that includes the Gulf Stream, is on the brink of collapse, and the consequences for the planet could be severe.
The AMOC plays a vital role in regulating global climate by distributing heat from the tropics to the northern hemisphere, including Europe. This system’s weakening is driven by global warming, melting ice sheets, and changing precipitation patterns, which reduce the density of surface water and disrupt the circulation loop.
If the AMOC weakens significantly or collapses altogether, the effects could be catastrophic. Europe could face much colder winters, while the U.S. East Coast may see sea levels rise more rapidly.
Globally, weather patterns would shift, with potential droughts or floods in the tropics, and the ecological stability of regions like the Amazon could be thrown into chaos.
While direct measurements of the AMOC’s strength began in 2004, and have shown a 10 percent decrease, the system may have already weakened by 15 percent, with further weakening predicted.
Some models suggest that, if emissions continue at current levels, the AMOC could weaken by 30-50 percent by the end of the century. In the worst-case scenario, a tipping point could be reached as early as 2050, leading to an abrupt shutdown of the AMOC and drastic climate shifts.
Urgent action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate further damage to Earth’s delicate climate system.
In addition, to the top seven .earth web domain tribe members dedicated to saving our oceans, we have several organizations working directly to sound the bell on the impending AMOC crisis, including:
- Dialogue.Earth: This organization serves the global movement for sustainability with compelling environmental journalism, delivered through local voices and knowledge. They are also reporting on the AMOC. Learn more here.
- Greenly.Earth: Greenly works with organizations to easily measure their carbon footprint and identify the most important reduction opportunities, and recently wrote about the AMOC. Learn more here.
- ThirdHorizon.Earth: This organization provides nonpartisan peer-based intelligence and tools that present these new approaches and help to catalyze action while advocating for enabling environments that promote regenerative transitions locally and globally. Learn more here.
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