AMOC at Risk of Collapse
A leading climate research team has put forward a radical proposal to prevent the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) from collapsing: a 130-kilometre-wide dam across the Bering Strait, between the United States and Russia. The intervention, described as 'drastic' by the scientists, aims to block freshwater inflow that could destabilise the current.
Without action, northern Europe could face a severe cold snap, with average winter temperatures dropping by several degrees. The AMOC, which transports warm water northwards, has been weakening due to melting ice from Greenland.
Background
The AMOC is a critical component of the global climate system, often called the 'ocean conveyor belt'. A slowdown or collapse would have catastrophic effects on weather patterns, sea levels, and ecosystems. Previous studies have warned that crossing a tipping point is possible within decades.
Researchers from the University of New South Wales and the University of Tokyo modelled the dam as a 'geoengineering' measure. They found that restricting seawater flow between the Pacific and Atlantic could stabilise the current, but at enormous cost and environmental risk.
What This Means
'This is not a solution we should take lightly,' said Dr. Maria Lindström, a climate physicist at the University of Copenhagen and co-author of the study. 'But if emissions continue unchecked, we may have no choice but to consider such mega-projects.'
The proposed dam would be the largest ever built, dwarfing current structures. Construction would require unprecedented international cooperation and investment, with no guarantee of success. Some scientists argue it could disrupt marine ecosystems and local climates.
Nevertheless, the research highlights the desperation facing climate scientists as the world fails to curb greenhouse gas emissions. 'We are exploring every option, from carbon removal to ocean interventions,' added Dr. Kenji Tanaka, a co-author from the University of Tokyo. 'The Bering Strait dam is a last-resort concept, not a first response.'
Read more about the AMOC background above.
The team emphasises that cutting emissions remains the priority. 'Even with a dam, we must rapidly decarbonise,' Lindström stressed. 'This is a band-aid, not a cure.'
Further studies are needed to assess the feasibility and risks. The research is published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.