Scientists are suggesting a bold, potentially disruptive solution to avert the collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a critical system of ocean currents that includes the Gulf Stream.

The Threat to Global Climate

The AMOC plays a vital role in regulating global climate by transporting warm water northward and influencing temperatures, particularly in Europe. Growing evidence indicates that global warming is threatening the stability of this system, with projections suggesting a possible collapse within this century.

A collapse of the AMOC could lead to drastically colder winters in the UK – potentially 7°C (12.57°F) colder on average – and widespread climate disruption. Recent studies suggest the AMOC could weaken by 50% by the end of the century, a more significant decline than previously estimated.

The Bering Strait Dam Proposal

How it Would Work

The proposed intervention involves constructing a massive dam across the Bering Strait, the 53-mile (82km) waterway separating Russia and Alaska. This ambitious project would consist of three dams connecting mainland Russia to Alaska via the Diomede Islands.

The goal is to alter the freshwater balance in the ocean system. The AMOC is sensitive to salinity, and freshwater influx from the Pacific Ocean through the Bering Strait dilutes the saltiness of the North Atlantic, weakening the current. Closing the strait could maintain necessary salinity levels.

Feasibility and Scale

The project is modeled after the Saemangeum Seawall in South Korea, demonstrating the technical feasibility of constructing a large-scale barrier in a relatively shallow and narrow strait. Simulations from Utrecht University suggest the intervention could prevent an AMOC collapse if implemented before a critical weakening point.

The proposed dam would be approximately 50 miles (80km) long with a raised barrier around 330 feet (100m) wide at the top.

Challenges and Considerations

Impact on Trade and Ecosystems

The Bering Strait is a vital shipping route connecting Asia and Europe, and its closure would disrupt global trade and transportation. Construction of the dam would also have a substantial impact on local ecosystems, particularly marine life.

A Last Resort

Researchers acknowledge that reducing carbon dioxide emissions remains the most desirable solution. They present the Bering Strait closure as a potential last resort, a ‘climate intervention strategy’ to be considered if mitigation efforts prove insufficient.

A weakening AMOC could trigger a cascade of effects, including extensive drying in the Sahel region of Africa and a dramatic cooling of the Northern Hemisphere. There is also the potential for a catastrophic release of carbon from the oceans, further exacerbating global warming.