Article Reflection No. 61 (7/31/2023)

Article: “Warming Could Push the Atlantic Past a ‘Tipping Point’ This Century”

Reflection: Ocean overturning is a phenomenon that occurs when currents release heat in northern Europe after transferring the warmed water across the Gulf Stream. Part of the Atlantic circulation slow-down, this event is dangerous because it can heat up the planet significantly, shaping the global climate. In the article “Warming Could Push the Atlantic Past a ‘Tipping Point’ This Century”, journalist Raymond Zhong details a study that has approximated when this overturn or “‘tipping poin[t]’” may occur (par. 6). Conducted by University of Coperhagen statistics professor Dr. Susanne Ditlevsen and University of Copenhagen climate scientist Peter Ditlevsan, the research suggests that Atlantic circulation may significantly slow by 2025, 2050, or 2095. Although there are potential flaws to this data (e.g. factors other than overturning that may influence ocean surface temperatures), this study poses a question University of Maryland associate research professor Dr. Hali Kilbourne refers to at the end of the article: is it too late?

The climate crisis is already grave, as most everyone knows. This additive finding only emphasizes the impact humans have on the planet. What has the planet done to us except provide shelter and a place to ground our feet?

(MIT Technology Review)