This ‘tipping point’ would be catastrophic for Europe but scientists are unsure when we’ll reach it
Scientists have successfully modelled a climate tipping point that would plunge large parts of Europe into a deep freeze - and it could be closer than previously thought. Using a complex climate model, researchers from Utrecht University in the Netherlands simulated the collapse of an important Atlantic Ocean current which currently brings warm water north and keeps temperatures in Europe mild. An abrupt shutdown of this current would change weather worldwide with Europe suffering the most severe consequences. Melting ice sheets could cause its collapse - but when or how likely is it to happen...