Earthlings 2.0 Podcast

#81: How Slowing Ocean Currents are Rewriting Climate Predictions

Oct 30, 2024

In this engaging discussion, Professor Matthew England, an expert in Ocean and Climate Dynamics at the University of New South Wales, delves into the alarming slowdown of the Atlantic overturning circulation, impacting climate predictions. He explains how warming oceans now absorb 90% of excess heat, causing intensified storms and altering marine ecosystems. The conversation also covers the potential economic benefits of a net-zero approach, emphasizing a hopeful transition to renewable energy for a sustainable future amidst climate challenges.

36:32

Creator website

Episode guests

Professor Matthew England

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The 30% slowdown in the Atlantic overturning circulation is accelerating climate shifts, directly influencing extreme weather events and ecological stability.

Despite alarming oceanic changes, a hopeful transition towards renewable energy could guide humanity towards a more sustainable future.

Deep dives

Climate Change and Ocean Circulation

Current data indicates that the overturning circulations of the ocean are slowing down far more rapidly than previously anticipated, with some sources noting a 30% decrease in the Atlantic overturning circulation. This trend is concerning as it correlates with extreme weather patterns and the intensification of storms, which are expected to impact global climates significantly. The movie 'The Day After Tomorrow' dramatizes such changes, but what was once thought to be a hypothetical scenario is now an observable reality. The interplay between fresh water from melting ice and ocean temperature is contributing to these shifts, complicating the natural systems that regulate climate.

Intro

6min

The Ocean's Crucial Role in Climate Change

12min

Climate Change Predictions and Economic Implications

3min

Exploring Carbon Sequestration in Oceans and Its Challenges

2min

El Niño, La Niña, and Climate Change Intensification

13min

Protecting Our Planet: Urgency and Hope in Action

2min

Hello Earthlings! 🌊 This week on Earthlings 2.0, we dive into the deep blue with Professor Matthew England, an expert in ocean and climate dynamics. Our warming oceans are doing a lot of heavy lifting for us, absorbing over 90% of trapped heat from greenhouse gasses. But there’s a cost, and we're already seeing a 30% slowdown in the critical Atlantic overturning circulation—a shift climate scientists once thought would take another 100 years!

Together, we explore how this slowdown affects everything, from extreme weather patterns to coral reefs and fisheries. Professor England explains the complex and pressing implications of ocean acidification, sea level rise, and the future of our climate systems. Yet, he ends on a hopeful note, predicting a tipping point in global energy transition, away from fossil fuels, that could shift humanity onto a path toward a more sustainable future.

Key Points

Accelerated Ocean Circulation Slowdown: The Atlantic overturning circulation has already slowed by 30%, a shift scientists initially predicted would happen closer to the end of the century. This slowdown has significant impacts on global climate, contributing to extreme weather and heat retention in tropical oceans.
Warming Oceans and Increased Storm Intensity: Our oceans absorb more than 90% of the excess heat from greenhouse gasses, intensifying storms and contributing to the rapid escalation of hurricanes, with categories intensifying quickly.
Ocean Acidification and Marine Life Stress: Oceans are acidifying due to increased CO₂ absorption, which weakens the shells of marine life and disrupts ecosystems, notably causing frequent coral bleaching events.
Disruptions to Global Weather Patterns: Slower ocean circulation is shifting weather patterns, affecting rainfall distribution and altering agricultural suitability worldwide. This may lead to unpredictable food production areas and extreme weather where it’s least expected.

Voices on The Show:

Professor Matthew England, Professor of Ocean and Climate Dynamics at the University of New South Wales Center for Marine Science and Innovation
UNSW Profile

Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability
LinkedIn: Lisa Ann Pinkerton
X - Lisa Ann Pinkerton
Instagram - @LisiAnni
Technica Communications
Women in Cleantech and Sustainability

Web Resources:

NOAA - Climate Change and Hurricanes

🚀 Calling all Earthlings…

Visit our website for more episodes!

https://earthlingspodcast.com/

Earthlings 2.0 Newsletter

https://theearthlingspodcast.substack.com/

Podcast Listener Survey

We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1QjZGBcv41Kgl4TbKEP2US-SiooH_R9812UBapuqudFs/edit

Support the Earthlings 2.0 Production on Patreon!

http://patreon.com/TheEarthlingsPodcast

Earthlings 2.0 Socials