The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation is one of the biggest movers of heat from the equator up to the north. Unlike most ocean currents which are pushed along by winds, this one is pulled along basically by itself. The whole system grinds to a halt if you don't have that sinking, salty water. Oliver Morton: Amok is really the earth tipping point.
An appalling record compared with much of the rich world is not just down to drugs and guns. We ask what changes, both in policy and philosophy, might reduce the death toll. A heat-transporting ocean current in the Atlantic could soon be on the wane—or switch off altogether (10:08). That would have disastrous consequences. And musing on airborne etiquette for business travelers (18:09).
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Runtime: 23 min