Scientists are sounding the alarm that a crucial component of the planet’s climate system is in gradual decline and could one day reach a tipping point that would radically alter global weather patterns.

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC, is a system of ocean currents that circulate water in the Atlantic Ocean like a conveyor belt, helping to redistribute heat and regulate global and regional climates. New research, however, warns that the AMOC is weakening under a warming climate, and could potentially suffer a dangerous and abrupt collapse with worldwide consequences.

“This is bad news for the climate system and humanity,” researchers from Utrecht University’s Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research wrote in a new study published in the journal Science Advances.

  • iAvicenna@lemmy.world
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    4 months ago

    But on the other hand China and India are the largest polluters because people everywhere on Earth demand to consume more and more. If you renew your wardrobe every year or buy every slightly interesting junk you see in Alibaba then you are a part of the problem.

    Moreover not believing in climate change is very different from not believing the main polluters aren’t this or that.

    • Ogmios@sh.itjust.works
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      4 months ago

      Moreover not believing in climate change is very different from not believing the main polluters aren’t this or that.

      That’s my point though. when you hand wave away every dissenting voice the way the commenter I replied too did, you’re not understanding a very large segment of opposition to climate change initiatives, and therefore are incapable of meaningfully engaging on the issue. And there are those who encourage this behaviour in an attempt to isolate us within partisan silos, to make it impossible for anyone to be an active participant in issues which affect us all.

      • iAvicenna@lemmy.world
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        4 months ago

        I was the original commenter heh. I am not against engaging in meaningful discussions especially if both sides can keep their cool and are genuinely interested in the discussion. I agree that usually the most straightforward way is some sort of synthesis because in reality complete conversion of one large group to another side is very slow if not impossible.

        But, making a joke about it does not nullify the possibility of such discussions, atleast for me. Because making a joke about even a politically charged topic doesnt necessarily mean I am a blind supporter of one side or the other.

        ps: I am sure if you find the right community somewhere in reddit, you will also encounter tons of jokes against climate change supporters. That does not really anger me or want me to stay away from discussing with these people.

      • sailingbythelee@lemmy.world
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        4 months ago

        You’re right. Climate change is a massive problem, but countries with small populations can’t do much about it. Canada, in particular, has little room to maneuver: massive country, extremely cold climate, small population. Canada’s actions in regard to mitigating climate change are mostly about “leading by example” (to the degree that anyone cares what Canada does) and solidarity with others who care.