The Gulf Stream is on the way to collapse, according to several alarming reports.
But Léon Chafik, ocean and climate scientist, is critical of that.
– There is a weakening until the year 2100 but no complete collapse, he says in Nyhetsmorgon.
Climate change means that the world’s oceans are getting warmer. Globally, the surface water temperature has been at record levels since last spring. In the North Atlantic, the temperature was three degrees above average at the end of 2023.
– The oceans absorb a lot of the extra heat that is in the atmosphere. And the fact is that 90 percent of the extra heat generated by greenhouse gases is taken up by the oceans, says Léon Chafik, Ocean and Climate Researcher at Stockholm University.
Warmer seas cause more and stronger heat waves – even out at sea.
– It has been seen that these waves last much longer, are more intense and extend deep into the water. This means that the marine ecosystem can be damaged, lead to coral bleaching and also cause stress to marine animals.
Another important aspect that Chafik brings up is that warmer oceans provide energy for hurricanes. According to the US Weather Service, the summer of 2024 will be more active than ever.
– They become stronger and more destructive. It leads to greater damage to coastal areas and communities. A single hurricane is enough to destroy the lives of many people.
Critical to a collapse
There have also been other alarming reports that the currents have been affected by the warming. Where it is believed that the Gulf Stream is about to wane. But it is conclusions that Léon Chafik is critical of.
– There is a weakening until the year 2100 but no complete collapse. We have an observation system in place in the North Atlantic that continuously measures the strength of the Gulf Stream system. And the last 20 years have seen a lot of natural variation but no clear signs of a weakening.
– That is why I and other researchers are extremely critical of these reports.
However, Chafik warns that we are facing very serious problems.
– Overfishing, plastic in the oceans, acidification and not least a sea level rise. And those are just some of the biggest threats and problems. They not only affect the marine environment but also people’s livelihoods. So it is very necessary that we take immediate action.