Prof. Stefan Rahmstorf
@rahmstorf@fediscience.org
Head of Earth System Analysis at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research; professor of Physics of the Oceans at Potsdam University; dad. Opinions my own!
fediscience.org
Die Wissenschaftssendung NANO gestern zu den neuen Studien zur Abschwächung und Gefahr eines Versiegens der atlantischen Umwälzzirkulation #AMOC. Das Risiko ist danach viel höher als bislang gedacht. 🌊
https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/Y3JpZDovLzNzYXQuZGUvU0NNU190cmFuc2Zlcl9TQ01TX2JkOTc0MzRlLTkzMjUtNGE1ZC05ZjI2LWZiY2ViZDk2ZDc0ZA
68
7
66
AMOC?
More certain than previously thought https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adx4298
And Guardian article https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/apr/15/critical-atlantic-current-significantly-more-likely-to-collapse-than-thought
Okay. Or not. But what does it mean, regionally, on the way to the OFF state?
Do we, us alive today experience any changes in our lifetime?
I would say yes.
Disclaimer: it's conjecture. and I am no expert in anything.
So. From tipping to OFF, it takes 100 to 150 years.
What happens during this slowdown phase?
I read in another paper that because AMOC slowdown intensifies the #ColdBlob, it also changes how the Lows and Highs over the Atlantic are distributed, which changes the jetstream, which in turn causes more extreme heat events in Europe.
More #ExtremeHeat events?
How do those affect our biosphere in Europe?
Well, I don't know exactly. But IPCC AR6 WG2 has mapped the impact on European plants, insects and mammals if we let global 3.2C become reality.
As you can see, 3.2C spells extinction level for European insects – due to heat events and related processes that come with 3.2C.
And I believe, a slow-ING #AMOC mimics heat events of such high-emission scenarios.
So we, us alive today, will watch our European insects AND soil…! die right in front of our eyes. I think.
3
3
5
Prof. Stefan Rahmstorf
@rahmstorf@fediscience.org
Head of Earth System Analysis at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research; professor of Physics of the Oceans at Potsdam University; dad. Opinions my own!
fediscience.org
Breaking: New study using observational constraints projects that the Atlantic Ocean circulation #AMOC will weaken ~50% by 2100, even for medium emissions and without Greenland melting. Seriously bad news.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/apr/15/critical-atlantic-current-significantly-more-likely-to-collapse-than-thought
177
42
260
Prof. Stefan Rahmstorf
@rahmstorf@fediscience.org
Head of Earth System Analysis at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research; professor of Physics of the Oceans at Potsdam University; dad. Opinions my own!
fediscience.org
Just out today: The report “A Nordic Perspective on AMOC Tipping” reviews the current state of science on the risk of Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (#AMOC) shutdown.
Conclusion: it's "a serious risk which requires a dedicated risk management framework".
https://pub.norden.org/temanord2026-504/index.html
0
0
1
You've seen all posts