Scientists urge Nordic Council of Ministers to address urgent risks of Atlantic ocean circulation changes
Forty-four scientists have expressed concerns regarding changes in ocean currents and are urging the Nordic Council of Ministers to take action to reduce emissions. The Environment Minister received a letter from the scientists at the Arctic Circle Assembly today.
Researchers are increasingly worried about the potential for significant alterations in the Atlantic Ocean’s circulation patterns. New studies suggest that the risk of changes happening has been greatly underestimated. “We are very concerned about the danger of the Atlantic circulation reaching tipping points, potentially within the next decade, and we want to alert the Nordic Council of Ministers about this issue,” said Stefan Rahmstorf, a professor of ocean physics at the Potsdam Institute.
The scientists are asking for a risk assessment to be conducted. The Environment Minister acknowledged the letter during the Arctic Circle Assembly, where the 44 scientists from 15 countries highlighted this urgent matter. Rahmstorf hopes the Council will prioritize it.
“We hope the Council will first assess the issue, mandate a thorough risk analysis, and also use its diplomatic leverage internationally to advocate for stronger emissions reductions and address this risk,” Rahmstorf added.
If these changes occur, they could have severe implications for the Nordic countries. “While global temperatures may rise by one to two degrees, depending on emissions, there could be localized cooling in the North Atlantic that may affect Iceland, the Nordic region, and possibly even the UK,” warned Halldór Björnsson, a meteorologist at the Icelandic Meteorological Office.
The scientists believe that agricultural conditions may deteriorate, and weather patterns will change both in the cooling region and beyond. Björnsson noted that previously deemed far-fetched scenarios are now considered likely, with recent reports suggesting a medium certainty that changes could occur by the end of the century.