I read that the gulfstream in the Atlantic is slowing down. How does that happend and what are the consequences?

Question

Like the title says: How is it possible that the gulfstream is losing it’s power and what will be the consequences for e.g. Northern Europe?

In: 165

Answer 1

This is massively simplified, but you’re five, so here you go.
The Gulf Stream is driven by the differences in temperatures between the equator and the North Pole. Warm water is carried North at the surface and cold water returns along the bottom of the Atlantic. You can think of it like a conveyor belt of energy.
As our planet warms up due to climate change, the Arctic is warming faster than the equator. Therefore the difference in temperatures is getting smaller. That slows the current down. Less warm water flows North to Northern Europe and therefore less energy.
Ireland, is at roughly the same latitude as James Bay in Canada. James Bay has polar bears. Ireland has leprechauns. Without the energy transfer from the Gulf Stream, the Irish may get O’Polar Bears