A new study published in Science Advances warns of the possibility of the Atlantic Meridional Return Current (AMOC) collapsing in the 2030s, with potentially devastating effects for Europe. The research, carried out by climate and ocean experts, suggests that the collapse of this current could lead to extreme climate changes, making parts of Europe difficult to inhabit.

The researchers used advanced climate models to analyze the impact of global warming and accelerated ice loss in Greenland on the stability of AMOC. Their findings indicate that if current trends continue, ocean circulation could stop, resulting in more severe winters, extremely hot summers and a greater frequency of extreme weather events in Europe.

In this sense, Antonio Turiel, scientific researcher at the Institute of Marine Sciences of the CSIC, warns that “without the beneficial effect of this ocean current, which brings heat and humidity to Europe, the continent would tend toward the climate that would correspond to its latitude.” to which it is found, similar to that of Canada or southern Siberia”.

AI-generated image of a possible map of Europe in the 2030s with almost the entire continent buried under snow

On the other hand, researchers from the University of Copenhagen published a study in Nature Communications on estimates of the future of the AMOC, noting that “it will collapse, with 95% percent certainty, between 2025 and 2095. This will most likely occur. ” in 34 years, by 2057,” which could create major challenges much sooner than expected, particularly warming in the tropics and increased storms in the North Atlantic region.

These findings once again highlight the urgency of implementing global measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming. Likewise, scientists urge governments to take decisive action to protect the balance of climate systems and thus avoid a catastrophic future for the inhabitants of the old continent.