Ep.14: Politically, the time to act is now! AMOC collapse and its consequences

You might have heard of the AMOC collapse, but what is it, exactly? How does it work, and what does the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation do? If it "collapses", what's it going to mean for you and the rest of the world? In this episode, Robi explains the functioning of the AMOC, while M. and Ani ask some basic physics questions. We learn about the AMOC weakening, as well as some of the implications, especially for the Northern and Western Europe. Finally, in the [Offering], M. reads a  poem suited to this season.  Timestamps 00:31 [Infospill] The physics and consequences of the AMOC collapse 45:16 [Offering] A spring poem: "Recipe with gathered sadness" by Maria Martelli 00:31 [Infospill] The physics and consequences of the AMOC collapse The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation has been weakening. Scientists who study it show changes in its behaviour, and the possibility of its collapse is being contemplated. This would mean huge changes globally, with rainfall and temperatures harshly influenced. In Western and Northern Europe, it might mean freezing winters with -40C degrees and summer droughts. In this [Infospill], we learn about how the AMOC functions and what is affecting it (surprise, surprise... what might it be...) 45:16 [Offering] A spring poem: "Recipe with gathered sadness" by Maria Martelli To ground ourselves in the now, M. will read "Recipe with gathered sadness". It is not only a poem, but an invitation to you - and if you do not have all the ingredients, do not worry, they can be replaced with locally sourced edibles & emotions.  Main reference RM van Westen, M Kliphuis and HA Dijkstra. Physics-based early warning signal shows that AMOC is on tipping course. Science advances 10 (2024).  Other resources S Rahmstorf. Our heating system is heading for shutdown. ATLAS25 talk (2025). G Monbiot. A catastrophic climate event is upon us. Here is why you've heard do little about it. The Guardian (2026). V Portmann et al. Observational constrains project a ~50% AMOC weakening by the end of this century. Science Advances 12 (2026).  S Drijfhout et al. Shutdown of the northern Atlantic overturning after 2100 following deep mixing collapse in CMIP6 projections. Environmental Research Letters 20 (2025). - Hosted & Edited by: Robi, M. & Ani Sound engineering by: Marius Montage: Ioni Theme music: Teo Graphic artist & illustrator: Mina Social media: Grc - If you like our work, you can support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cw/thelastfireflies or with a one time donation on ko-fi https://ko-fi.com/thelastfireflies