The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, known as AMOC, acts as a global heat conveyor belt. Its weakening, confirmed by recent studies, threatens to disrupt climate patterns across the planet. From extreme cold in Europe to droughts in the Sahel, the consequences of a potential collapse are severe and closer than previously thought.
Satellites and climate models confirm the slowdown 🌍
Satellite observation systems and high-resolution climate models have detected a significant reduction in the flow of warm water northward. This phenomenon is attributed to increased melting in Greenland, which injects fresh, cold water into the North Atlantic. The alteration of salinity and temperature slows the sinking of water masses, a key process that drives the entire ocean circulation.
Europe, get your coat and irrigation tractor ready 🌡️
Scientists have been warning for decades, but now AMOC seems to have entered energy-saving mode. If it stops, Europe will swap heat for Siberian cold, and rains will go on vacation. European farmers will have to buy thermal coats and irrigation systems at the same time. The southern hemisphere, meanwhile, will roast. At least the climate will stop being boring.