Experts warn that a vital ocean current system faces imminent collapse. 

The Atlantic Meridional Ocean Current (AMOC), a critical system governing the Northern Hemisphere's climate, could collapse by 2025, according to a new study. 

The AMOC, which includes the famous Gulf Stream, is like a global conveyor belt, circulating warm tropical waters northwards and cooler water southwards. 

However, human-induced climate change has weakened this current, pushing it closer to a tipping point that could trigger catastrophic consequences.

Researchers now estimate that the AMOC could switch to a weaker state between 2025 and 2095, far sooner than previously thought. 

“The expected tipping point - given that we continue business as usual with greenhouse gas emissions - is much earlier than we expected,” says Professor Susanne Ditlevsen from the University of Copenhagen. 

“We were actually bewildered.”

A collapse of the AMOC could cause temperatures to plummet, wreak havoc on ocean ecosystems, and unleash devastating storms worldwide. 

During the last ice age, the AMOC shift led to a rapid 10 to 15 degrees Celsius temperature increase near Greenland within a decade. If it were to shut down, Europe and North America could experience a drastic temperature drop of up to 5 degrees in the same short period.

To predict the AMOC's potential collapse, researchers analysed surface temperature data from the subpolar gyre (near Greenland) dating back to 1870. 

This information, they argue, serves as a “fingerprint” for the strength of the AMOC's circulation.

Alarming results from their statistical model pointed to a looming tipping point, starting as early as 2025 and becoming increasingly likely as the 21st century progresses.

Despite the urgency of the study's findings, some experts remain cautious, highlighting uncertainties and assumptions that require further investigation. 

“There are some really big unknowns and assumptions that need investigating before we have confidence in this result,” says Professor David Thornalley from University College London.

Nevertheless, the researchers behind the study stress the importance of immediate action. As they continue refining their model with more recent data, the window for potential collapse may narrow further.