Weakening AMOC would Melt Iceland
Hello! More evidence of human caused climate change mounts as the country of Iceland issues a national security threat. What is this threat? Jóhann Páll Jóhannsson, Iceland’s Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate said, ”Our climate, economy and security are deeply tied to the stability of the ocean currents around us.” It is these currents which flow north around Iceland and bring warm waters from the south.
Specifically, these currents are known as The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulationor AMOC. AMOC is a “looping system of currents that works like a giant conveyor belt, pulling warm water from the Southern Hemisphere and tropics to the Northern Hemisphere, where it cools, sinks and flows back south.”
And should these currents collapse from climate change, it is these circumstances which actually terrifies scientists the most. Moreover, new research explains, “The AMOC [is]slowing down, as higher global temperatures disrupt the delicate balance of heat and salinity on which its strength relies. The science is still unsettled on the likelihood and timing of any collapse, but some studies have project it could be on course to happen this century.”
Stefan Rahmstorf, physical oceanographer and climatologist from Potsdam University in Germany said, “A shutdown of the AMOC cannot be considered a low likelihood risk anymore in view of the evolving science over the past years.”
“The impacts would be catastrophic – ushering in huge global weather and climate shifts, including rising sea levels in parts of the US and Europe, disrupted monsoon systems affecting countries in Asia and Africa, and a winter deep freeze in Europe, with sea ice potentially creeping southward as far as the United Kingdom.”
Rahmstorf continued and said, “Iceland would be close to the center of a serious regional cooling, meaning the country could be surrounded by sea ice.”
Jóhann Páll Jóhannsson said, “It’s an existential threat. The AMOC regulates Iceland’s weather, and its collapse could devastate infrastructure, transport and vital industries including fishing.”
In September 2025, Iceland’s National Security Council designated the potential AMOC collapse as a national security risk, marking the first time a climate impact has received this designation in the country.
Jóhannsson explained, “In practice, the designation will mean a high-level, coordinated government response to understand the threat and work out how to prevent and mitigate the worst consequences. What we do know is that the current climate might change so drastically that it could become impossible for us to adapt. In short, this is not just a scientific concern — it’s a matter of national survival and security.”
Here’s an Excellent Way to Talk to Kids with “Soft Facts” about Climate Change and Pollution …
One awesome tool for talking to kids about climate change and pollution is to read my fourth installment in the award-winning Kobee Manatee® Children’s Educational Picture Book series. It’s titled, Kobee Manatee® Climate Change and The Great Blue Hole Hazard. It contains “soft facts” about climate change and plastic pollution in our oceans.
When you read this award-winning educational picture book to children, you’ll quickly see it’s a fun and fictional adventure loaded with weaved in “soft facts” on climate change and plastic pollution. Clearly, this helps children learn about this serious subject in a fun and entertaining way. Here’s a brief synopsis …
Kobee Manatee, the protagonist and his seafaring pals, Tess the seahorse and Pablo the hermit crab swim from the Cayman Islands to Belize. Kobee wants to help his cousin Quinn clean up plastic litter at her new, all-veggie underwater bistro called Quinn’s Seagrass Café.
On their Caribbean journey they encounter harmful effects of climate change and plastic pollution. As if that wasn’t enough, several other unforeseen problems occur with a distressed loggerhead turtle, a giant Portuguese man-of-war, and a venomous scorpionfish. They’re all amazed when they discover the extraordinary Great Blue Hole. Then their adventure takes another crazy turn when Pablo plunges into its huge abyss!
Each page includes in-depth, scientific details on climate change and plastic pollution in our oceans with Dr. Tracy Fanara, Environmental Engineer, Scientist and Science Communicator (aka Inspector Planet). Tracy can be seen on The Weather Channel as a visiting expert and she’s also been seen on their “Weird Earth” segments.
We have Fantastic Reviews on this New Release!
“I read the book to my 6-year-old this morning while he was having his breakfast before school and he loved it! We talked about the characters, what it meant for the pollution to be in the oceans for all the sea creatures, and how fun the story was. Thank you so much for writing such a great story for kids that is not only entertaining, but has a message!” – Jessica Vilchis, Co-Host KNBC California Live
“A well-crafted, thoughtful, and well-illustrated addition to a noteworthy educational book series.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Robert Scott Thayer presents an important environmental message in an engaging story with wonderful characters. Anyone who loves the ocean and wants to help save it should read Kobee Manatee: Climate Change and The Great Blue Hole Hazard. I’m looking forward to the next Kobee Manatee adventure.” —Readers’ Favorite
For young readers who enjoy imaginative tales surrounding affable and heroic sea creatures, as well as parents and/or teachers looking for a way to introduce youngsters to the importance of marine conservation, Kobee Manatee® Climate Change and The Great Blue Hole Hazard offers a perfect blend. Highly recommended! – Chanticleer Book Reviews
Keep watching for more of my updates on climate change!
If you see any sick or injured manatees, please call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at: 1-888-404-3922 (FWCC). They are the folks who are responsible for rescuing us in Florida.
Here’s the Save the Manatee Club link to learn more about us manatees …
Here’s a cool link for you to learn more about how we’re rescued and brought into rehabilitation …
~ Robert Scott Thayer
Related Posts
Did “Climate Change” Cause Back-to-Back Major Hurricanes Harvey and Irma?
Dr. Tracy Fanara aka Inspector Planet Uncovers Extraordinary Science Nuggets!
