NASA scientist issues grim warning 37 years after his original prediction: ‘Point of no return’
In 1988, then-NASA scientist James Hansen warned Congress about the dangers of overheating the planet. That warning went unheeded, and 37 years later Hansen is at the forefront of alarming new research into a looming danger.
What’s going on?
Inside Climate News Hansen and a team of international scientists wrote a paper. paper examined the acceleration of changes in the last 15 years. Among the many worrying findings, the most worrying one showed that the risk of collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation was underestimated. Previous research suggested that it would not collapse this century, but the new study revealed that it could close in 20-30 years.
The team warned that although humanity has the capacity to adapt to and mitigate the worst impacts of heatwaves, droughts, floods and storms, the collapse of the AMOC is an entirely different matter.
“The real issue is the sleeping giant, the point of no return, the danger of AMOC closure and the massive rise in sea level,” Hansen told ICN.
Why is AMOC so important?
The AMOC works like a conveyor belt, moving hot water north and cold water south. This is a slow process; takes one cubic meter of water 1000 years To complete the loop, according to NOAA.
If AMOC collapsed, it would be a disaster whose consequences would be felt worldwide. They have a huge impact on food production; Shifting the rain belt will sharply reduce crop yields and worsen extreme weather events. Rapid sea level rise will put millions of homes in the eastern United States at risk. The relatively mild climate of Western Europe will turn into very dry summers and much colder winters.
What can be done to prevent collapse?
The article discusses ideas such as a carbon fee and dividends, as well as direct intervention to reduce harmful pollution. Researchers call for more research on solutions and urgent need. raise public awareness about the seriousness of the problem. In the conclusion, Hansen and Co. wrote at length about how special interests derailed science-backed remedies and the failure of political leaders to address the crisis.
No matter how bleak the warning, the article ends on an optimistic note, expressing hope for a new generation politicians Someone who won’t throw away the future of the planet for a quick buck.
“Why am I optimistic that we can succeed? Young people have demonstrated an extraordinary ability to influence policy without taking money from special interest groups.” states.
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