A new study in the United States shows that a slowdown in a key ocean current could reduce the expected warming of the Arctic by about 2 degrees Celsius by the end of this century. Researchers warn that although this change will bring temporary benefits to the Arctic region, it may trigger other climate anomalies. Scientists have been warning for years that if left unchecked, Arctic warming could have catastrophic consequences, threatening the survival of wildlife and triggering more frequent and extreme weather events. A study led by researchers from the University of California, Riverside, explored the impact of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) mitigation on Arctic climate. The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation refers to a type of ocean current that transports heat from the tropics to higher latitudes. Although some predictions suggest that Arctic temperatures will rise by 10 degrees Celsius by the end of this century, this latest study shows that if the slowing effect of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation is taken into account, Arctic temperatures will only rise by 8 degrees Celsius. The relevant paper has been published in the latest issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in the United States. Researchers say that the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation is a key component of the Earth's climate system, transporting heat globally. New research has found that its slowing effect reduces the amount of heat reaching the Arctic, thereby slowing down the rate of Arctic warming. Nevertheless, researchers remain concerned about the Arctic ecosystem. For example, as sea ice melts, polar bears face the threat of habitat loss; The disappearance of sea ice will expose more open waters, which will absorb more sunlight and further accelerate Arctic warming. Researchers also warn that the slowdown of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation may trigger other climate anomalies, such as changes in the tropical convergence zone. This is a convergent rain belt formed by trade winds and airflows from both the northern and southern hemispheres. If this rain belt moves southward, areas that rely on its rainfall may experience more frequent droughts, affecting agriculture and water supply. Researchers believe that although the slowdown of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation may bring some short-term benefits to the Arctic region, its broader impact suggests that even small changes in ocean currents can trigger a chain reaction on a global scale. Climate change is far from a single regional issue, and the future of the Arctic and the world depends on how humanity responds today. (New Society)
Edit：Yao jue Responsible editor：Xie Tunan
Source：People's Daily Overseas Edition
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