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If you haven’t done it yet If you’ve heard of it before, you’re about to get intimately acquainted with the Atlantic Meridional Circulation. This system of currents, which carries water across the Atlantic from the southern tip of South America, through the tropics and to the coast of Iceland before turning back south, plays a key role in the stability of our planet’s climate. It keeps northern European winters relatively mild, provides nutrients to ocean life and brings much-needed rain to agricultural systems in equatorial areas.
Researchers studying the AMOC say the system is showing signs of instability and could come to a complete halt — and soon. If the current slows or stops, it could trigger an ecological disaster of epic proportions: intense cold snaps, destroyed food systems and entire regions in drought.
This week, we invited WIRED features editor Sandra Upson to join us to talk about the AMOC, the research being done on it, and what life on Earth would be like if the current reached its tipping point. Buckle up.
Show notes
Read “How soon will the Atlantic Ocean break up? Two scientist brothers tried to answer that question and shook the world,” Sandra Upson’s article for WIRED about researchers studying the AMOC who have estimated that the current could collapse in the next 30 years or so. Read our previous coverage of the AMOC research that started the current debate about when it might reach the tipping point.
recommendations
Sandra recommends watching trashy reality shows in the language you’re trying to learn as an informal and entertaining study aid. Mike recommends taking advantage of Brat Summer—IYKYK. Lauren recommends the book Wave by Susan Casey, about the science, joy and terror of big waves.
You can find Sandra Upson on social media @Sandra UpsonLauren Goode is on @Lauren Goode. Michael Calore is at @snack fight. Bling the main hotline at @Gadget LabThe show is produced by Boone Ashworth (@Boone Ashworth). Our theme music is from Solar keys.
How to listen
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