Could Giant Parachutes Save the Atlantic Ocean Current?
The plan to maintain the ocean current would involve much larger versions of parachute sea anchors
Ed Dunens (CC BY 2.0)
As the threat of catastrophic climate change looms, a radical plan has been proposed to save the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) – a crucial ocean current that helps regulate global temperatures. The current, responsible for transporting warm water from the tropics to northern Europe, is at risk of collapse due to a rapidly melting Arctic and warming ocean temperatures.
Experts emphasize the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to prevent the collapse of the AMOC and other climate “tipping points”. However, some researchers are exploring alternative solutions, such as using giant parachutes dragged by sea tugboats to maintain the current.
At the Arctic Repair conference in Cambridge, UK, Stuart Haszeldine and David Sevier presented the concept of using 35 sea tugboats to pull underwater parachutes, each the size of half a football pitch, to help sustain the AMOC. These parachutes, similar to sea anchors used for stabilizing vessels, would propel water along the ocean’s surface while allowing marine life to escape through a central hole.
The proposal involves using drones, shipping tankers, tugboats, or wind kites to maneuver the parachutes, operating on a rotating-shift basis throughout the year. While some scientists view this idea as a “Hail Mary” to buy time for emission reductions, others remain skeptical about its effectiveness.
René van Westen from Utrecht University questions the ability of the parachutes to address the fundamental density differences in ocean water that drive the AMOC. Similarly, Stefan Rahmstorf at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research highlights the importance of deep water circulation, which the proposed solution may not address adequately.
Despite the skepticism, Haszeldine welcomes feedback and further investigation into the ecological and environmental impacts of the plan. He advocates for more research on climate-intervention strategies focused on maintaining ocean circulation, emphasizing the critical role of these currents in regulating global climate.
While the idea of using giant parachutes to save the AMOC may face challenges and uncertainties, it underscores the growing urgency to address climate change and protect vital ocean currents essential for the planet’s health and stability.
Topics: Climate Change, Ocean Circulation, Environmental Sustainability
