Doomscrolling alert: The Atlantic current may be headed for collapse

This episode of USA Today's The Excerpt explores alarming new research indicating that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a critical ocean current system responsible for regulating global climate, may be weakening at an unprecedented rate. Physical oceanographer Shane Eleppo, lead author of a study published in Science Advances, explains how decades of continuous ocean monitoring—through instruments deployed across the North Atlantic—have revealed a 10% decline in AMOC strength over the past 20 years. This weakening, driven by climate change and reduced water density due to warming and freshwater influx from melting ice, could lead to a collapse within the next 140 years, with potentially catastrophic consequences including harsher winters in Europe, rising sea levels along the U.S. East Coast, and disrupted rainfall patterns affecting food production in Africa. The episode underscores the urgency of global climate action, emphasizing that current mitigation and adaptation strategies—such as reducing CO2 emissions and building coastal resilience—are essential but insufficiently prioritized. The discussion also highlights the interconnectedness of Earth's climate systems, using historical data to show how past AMOC weakening correlated with extreme weather events like the harsh 2010 European winter. While no immediate collapse is expected, the trajectory suggests a growing risk that demands immediate policy and societal response. The episode concludes with a call to action, urging governments and individuals to accelerate the transition to clean energy and strengthen climate resilience. A brief sponsor segment promotes the Top Workplaces USA 2026 list, highlighting companies excelling in workplace culture and employee satisfaction.