Sea currents are slowing down dramatically due to the melting of glaciers.

Sea currents are driven in part by the downward movement of cold, dense salt water near Antarctica. But due to the melting of glaciers, sea water becomes less salty and dense, and these processes are slowing down. Scientists say that sea currents in the northern and southern hemispheres have been relatively stable for thousands of years. According to calculations, now they can be reduced immediately by 40% by 2050. Currents carry heat, oxygen, carbon and nutrients around the globe. Their slowdown could lead to cooling in Europe, as well as reduce the ability of the ocean to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.