Scientists are sounding the alarm that a crucial component of the planet’s climate system is in gradual decline and could one day reach a tipping point that would radically alter global weather patterns.
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC, is a system of ocean currents that circulate water in the Atlantic Ocean like a conveyor belt, helping to redistribute heat and regulate global and regional climates. New research, however, warns that the AMOC is weakening under a warming climate, and could potentially suffer a dangerous and abrupt collapse with worldwide consequences.
“This is bad news for the climate system and humanity,” researchers from Utrecht University’s Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research wrote in a new study published in the journal Science Advances.
You’re right. Climate change is a massive problem, but countries with small populations can’t do much about it. Canada, in particular, has little room to maneuver: massive country, extremely cold climate, small population. Canada’s actions in regard to mitigating climate change are mostly about “leading by example” (to the degree that anyone cares what Canada does) and solidarity with others who care.