The collapse of a critical Atlantic current can no longer be considered a low-likelihood event, a study has concluded, making deep cuts to fossil fuel emissions even more urgent to avoid the catastrophic impact. The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (Amoc) is a major part of the global climate system. It brings sun-warmed tropical water to Europe and the Arctic, where it cools and sinks to form a deep return current. The Amoc was already known to be at its weakest in 1,600 years as a result of the climate crisis. Climate models recently indicated that a collapse before 2100 was unlikely but the new analysis examined models that were run for longer, to 2300 and 2500. These show the tipping point that makes an Amoc shutdown inevitable is likely to be passed within a few decades, but that the collapse itself may not happen until 50 to 100 years later. The research found that if carbon emissions continued to rise, 70% of the model runs led to collapse, while an intermediate level of emissions resulted in collapse in 37% of the models. Even in the case of low future emissions, an Amoc shutdown happened in 25% of the models.

Guardian 28th Aug 2025 read more "

Critically low rivers, shrinking reservoirs and hosepipe bans for millions are some of the more obvious impacts of Britain's hot, dry summer. The effects of the unprecedentedly warm weather, expected to be confirmed on Monday as the hottest summer since records began in 1884, are being felt across society, from farms and stately home gardens to struggling railways and overheating bedrooms. Government advisers have warned that our adaptation to climate change is "piecemeal" and mostly inadequate. However, there are pockets of people trying to adapt to our scorching "new normal". Here is how different sectors are preparing for future years when, according to the Met Office, 45C days are no longer considered impossible.

Times 29th Aug 2025 read more "

'The water left nothing': Pakistan's Punjab province reels from deadly floods. Fears of disease as more than 1,400 villages under water after three large rivers overflow their banks.

More Scottish households are at risk of flooding because of "vague" strategies and funding for prevention schemes is "not fit for purpose", the public spending watchdog has warned. Audit Scotland said the forecast cost of improving flood defences has risen from £350 million in 2015 to more than £1 billion today while actually covering fewer areas. The organisation said there are gaps in the "leadership, skills and data" required to tackle the problems meaning opportunities to maximise the benefits of the money being spent are getting missed. The Scottish government estimates there are more than 280,000 properties at risk of flooding with the number expected to increase to 400,000 by 2080 because of climate change.