Imminent Potential Collapse of the Gulf Stream According to EU Climate Authority
The findings of a recent study conducted by Dutch scientists from Utrecht University have sent shockwaves across Europe, with the European Climate Commissioner, Wopke Hoekstra, describing them as a "wake-up call."
The study, published this week, suggests that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a crucial part of the Atlantic Ocean current that keeps Europe from becoming frigid, could start shutting down in the 2060s. The Gulf Stream, which is part of this current, carries warm tropical waters north, keeping Northern Europe's winters milder than regions on the same latitude, like Canada.
The study indicates that key ocean currents are weakening faster than previously thought, with the potential for the Gulf Stream to collapse in a few decades. This collapse could potentially make Europe frigid, drastically altering the continent's climate.
The researchers' findings have been shared by European Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra on social media, urging immediate action to combat climate change. The commissioner has previously described the findings as a "wake-up call," emphasising the urgency of addressing the issue.
The study predicts that the AMOC, which includes the Gulf Stream, could start shutting down in the 2060s, raising concerns about the future climate of Europe. The collapse of the Gulf Stream could have significant impacts on Europe's weather patterns, making winters much colder and potentially leading to economic and social disruptions.
The new study adds to the growing body of evidence that highlights the urgent need for action to combat climate change. As the world continues to grapple with the effects of global warming, the findings serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of inaction.
In the face of these findings, it is crucial for governments, businesses, and individuals to take immediate steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The future of Europe, and indeed the world, depends on it.
