Climate crisis: Scientists spot warning signs of Gulf Stream collapse

A shutdown would have devastating global impacts and must not be allowed to happen, researchers say

An iceberg melts off Ammassalik Island in Greenland. Gulf Stream currents are already at their slowest point in at least 1,600 years, but the new analysis shows they may be nearing a shutdown. Picture: AP

Climate scientists have detected warning signs of the collapse of the Gulf Stream, one of the planet’s main potential tipping points.

The research found “an almost complete loss of stability over the last century” of the currents that researchers call the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation.