Disastrous Atlantic current shutdown is unlikely this century, new study says

A new study suggests that the collapse of the Atlantic Ocean currents, which could lead to extreme weather and a deep freeze in Europe, is unlikely to happen this century. The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC, is a key factor in global weather systems, transporting warm water north and cool water south. Scientists have raised concerns about the potential shutdown of the AMOC due to climate change, which could have severe impacts on global rain patterns, sea levels, and temperatures. However, a study using 34 computer models of extreme climate change scenarios found that none predicted a total shutdown of the AMOC before 2100. The study's lead author, Jonathan Baker, said that while the AMOC is likely to weaken this century, it is unlikely to collapse completely. The weakening of the AMOC could still have significant climate impacts, including crop losses and changes in fish stocks. A second motor in the Southern Ocean, which surrounds Antarctica, is expected to keep the current system alive, but weakened, through the year 2100. The study's findings are reassuring, but Baker warned against complacency, as the AMOC's weakening will still have major climate impacts. The AMOC's strength is currently around 17 Sverdrups, down two from 2004, with a trend of about 0.8 decline per decade. While some scientists have raised concerns about the potential shutdown of the AMOC, the study's findings do not contradict previous research, but rather provide a more nuanced understanding of the issue.