Fate of critical ocean currents is in our hands | Letters
Andrew Watson and Phil Williamson respond to an article by George Monbiot about the weakening of a crucial Atlantic system
George Monbiot (A catastrophic climate event is upon us. Here is why you’ve heard so little about it, 23 April) notes that, according to a recent paper, some scientists believe that the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (Amoc) is more likely than not to “collapse”, implying a complete cessation. This is important because the Amoc brings substantial warmth to western Europe.
In fact, the authors of the paper project an increased chance that the Amoc weakens by 50% by the end of the century under continued fossil-fuel emissions. Concerning as that is, they are projecting a slowdown, not a collapse. The outcome is not certain and with sustained efforts to reduce emissions there is still time to avoid the worst outcome.
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