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Written question asked by Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb (Green Party) on Monday, 20 April 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 May 2026. It was answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour) on Tuesday, 28 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Climate Change: Atlantic Ocean

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government, in the light of Collapse of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) would lead to substantial oceanic carbon release and additional global warming, published on 27 March, whether they plan to update their models of the climate change impacts on the AMOC.

Answer

The Government recognises the importance of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) as a key component within the Earth’s climate system and its relevance to the UK's long-term climate risks. We are aware of recent scientific evidence indicating an increased likelihood of major weakening or potential loss of function of the AMOC this century, which would have significant climatic impacts, including effects on regional weather patterns and the global carbon cycle.

Through the Met Office and the Hadley Centre Climate Programme, the UK undertakes world-leading research into ocean circulation, climate tipping points, and Earth system feedbacks, including the AMOC. In light of evolving scientific evidence, HMG is actively updating and expanding UK climate projections through the new, Defra funded, UK Climate Information Programme (UKCI), led by Met Office. Meanwhile, work is continuing to improve representation of key processes relevant to AMOC behaviour, including ocean–carbon cycle interactions, freshwater inputs from ice melt, and ocean mixing. UKCI is due to enter its inception phase later in 2026, and will provide world leading information on climate change, including the AMOC.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL16559
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Climate change Carbon emissions Atlantic Ocean
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk