Current Tipping Point?

 

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) currently controls much of the global climate system. It basically brings warm tropical water to Europe and the Arctic. Here, the water cools, sinking to form a deep return current. In the past, the AMOC, has collapsed. It's currently in its weakest state for 1,600 years. That loss of strength appears to be linked to release of 'greenhouse gases'. Climate models had suggested the AMOC was unlikely to collapse before 2100. However, running such models for longer (until 2300 or 2050), indicates that a tipping point (a situation that can't be reversed) may be reached within 1-2 decades. AMOC shutdown would become inevitable but wouldn't actually occur until 50 to 100 years later  (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/28/collapse-critical-atlantic-current-amoc-no-longer-low-likelihood-study). AMOC collapse would shift the tropical rainfall belt as well as producing extreme cold winters and summer droughts throughout Western Europe. It could also add 50cm to currently rising sea levels. These changes would have devastating effects on local human populations. Scientists have said  AMOC collapse should be avoided at 'all costs'. A substantial and fast reduction in 'greenhouse gas' emissions is the only way to achieve this..