Atlantic Ocean circulation at weakest in a millennium, say scientists msn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from msn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
First published on Thu 25 Feb 2021 11.00 EST
The Atlantic Ocean circulation that underpins the Gulf Stream, the weather system that brings warm and mild weather to Europe, is at its weakest in more than a millennium, and climate breakdown is the probable cause, according to new data.
Further weakening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) could result in more storms battering the UK, more intense winters and an increase in damaging heatwaves and droughts across Europe.
Scientists predict that the AMOC will weaken further if global heating continues, and could reduce by about 34% to 45% by the end of this century, which could bring us close to a “tipping point” at which the system could become irrevocably unstable. A weakened Gulf Stream would also raise sea levels on the Atlantic coast of the US, with potentially disastrous consequences.
2020 was the warmest year recorded in Europe, breaking the previous 2019 record by 0.4°C, according Copernicus, the EU’s satellite earth observation system. Globally, the year tied with 2016 as the hottest on record.
Highlighting a consistent trend since the past decade, 2020 was also the sixth consecutive year to be the hottest on record. Worryingly, this occurred in a “La Nina” year, where climate conditions are usually cooler.
2016, which tied with 2020 for being the hottest year, was an “El Nino” year, where climate conditions would naturally be hotter, alongside man-made warming.
“We are in an era of sustained record breaking years. This is no longer breaking news, but a human crisis,” said Dr. Marshall Shepherd, Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Sciences and Geography.
Has 2020 Ended as the Warmest Year on Record? discovermagazine.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from discovermagazine.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.