Central Idea

Recent research warns that the Gulf Stream System, known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), faces a critical threat of collapse due to unabated global carbon emissions.
If left unchecked, this collapse could occur between 2025 and 2095, with a central estimate of 2050.

What is Gulf Stream System?

	Description
Origin	Begins in the Gulf of Mexico, merging warm waters from the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.
Flow	Flows northward along the eastern coast of the United States.
Current	Carries warm waters from the tropics towards higher latitudes.
Speed and Volume	Swift ocean currents with speeds of 2 to 5 miles per hour, transporting 30 million cubic meters per second.
Function	Redistributes heat towards the North Atlantic region, influencing climate and weather patterns.
Climate Impact	Moderates the climate of Western Europe, keeping it relatively warmer than other regions at similar latitudes.
Interaction with Atmosphere	Releases heat and moisture, influencing weather and precipitation.
Importance for Marine Life	Supports diverse marine life, serving as a migratory route for fish and marine mammals.

Gulf Stream, currently at its feeblest point in 1,600 years, is grappling with the consequences of global heating.
Alarming signals of a tipping point were already observed back in 2021.
Past collapses during ice ages have triggered rapid temperature shifts of up to 10 degrees Celsius in just a few decades, underlining the immense climatic impact it holds.

Implications of Collapse

The potential collapse of Gulf Stream could lead to dire consequences worldwide, including:

Disrupted Rainfall Patterns: Billions of people in regions like India, South America, and West Africa, reliant on these patterns for food production, would face food insecurity.
Intensified Storms and Colder Temperatures: Europe would experience increased storm activity and colder temperatures.
Rising Sea Levels: The eastern coast of North America would be at risk of rising sea levels, posing threats to coastal communities.
Endangered Ecosystems: The Amazon rainforest and Antarctic ice sheets could face severe endangerment.