In accordance with new research by scientists, the currents of the Gulf Stream systems may cease to exist in 2025, reports Gazeta.ru with reference to information from The Guardian.
The shutdown of important ocean currents, called the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC), would lead to catastrophic climate consequences. The AMOC is already known to be in its weakest state in over 1600 years due to global warming, and researchers have noticed signs of approaching the point of no return (inflection) as early as 2021.
A dramatic change could occur between 2025 and 2095, according to a new analysis. The most likely year is 2050 if global carbon emissions are not reduced.
Despite disagreements over the timing of the catastrophe, scientists agree that the prospect of the destruction of the AMOC is of extreme concern and should stimulate a rapid reduction in carbon emissions.
The destruction of the AMOC would have catastrophic consequences around the world, severely disrupting the rainfall that billions of people in India, South America and West Africa depend on for food. This will lead to increased storms and lower temperatures in Europe, as well as rising sea levels on the east coast of North America. In addition, it threatens the Amazon Forest and the glaciers of Antarctica.
The AMOC was destroyed and renewed again in the cycle of ice ages that occurred from 115 000 to 12 000 years ago, the source notes.
