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1. WHAT IS THE ATLANTIC MERIDIONAL OVERTURNING CIRCULATION (AMOC)?
3. HOW SOON COULD THIS HAPPEN?
5. CAN THIS BE PREVENTED?
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a crucial system of ocean currents in the Atlantic Ocean. It transports warm water from the tropics toward the north and carries cold water from the Arctic back south. This circulation helps regulate the global climate, keeping Europe relatively warm, stabilizing Africa’s monsoons, and maintaining balanced sea levels worldwide.
2. WHY IS ITS COLLAPSE A CONCERN?
A collapse of the AMOC could have severe consequences:
- Europe might experience extremely cold winters.
- Rainfall patterns in Africa and South America could be disrupted, threatening food security.
- The east coast of North America could face sharply rising sea levels.
- Global climate patterns could destabilize, worsening droughts, floods, and storms worldwide.
3. HOW SOON COULD THIS HAPPEN?
Earlier studies suggested an AMOC collapse was centuries away. However, recent research indicates that it could become inevitable within the next decade if greenhouse gas emissions remain high. Some climate simulations even predict a partial shutdown by the end of this century.
4. WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR INDIA?
- Monsoon Disruption: India’s southwest monsoon relies on stable ocean-atmosphere interactions. An AMOC collapse could shift tropical rainfall belts southward, resulting in erratic monsoons and lower crop yields.
- Food Security: With a large portion of India’s population dependent on rain-fed agriculture, any disruption in rainfall could directly impact livelihoods and food prices.
- Sea Level Rise: Coastal cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai could experience more severe flooding due to rising global sea levels.
- Increased Heat: As Europe cools, heat may be displaced southward, intensifying heatwaves in South Asia.
5. CAN THIS BE PREVENTED?
Scientists emphasize that rapid and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are crucial. Aligning global warming limits with the Paris Agreement goals could reduce the risk of an AMOC shutdown. Delayed action only increases the likelihood of catastrophic impacts.
6. HAS THIS HAPPENED BEFORE?
Yes, the AMOC has collapsed in Earth’s history, triggering sudden and drastic climate changes. Today, human-driven greenhouse gas emissions are accelerating the approach to this tipping point much faster than natural cycles.
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