AMOC in Focus: Towards a Scientific consensus to Inform Climate Policy Under Uncertainty — COP31, International Cryosphere Climate Initiative (ICCI) Pavilion

This session will present the ongoing AMOC in Focus initiative, a joint effort by JPI Climate, JPI Oceans and Canada, bringing together more than 50 leading international experts. Taking place at the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative (ICCI) Pavilion at COP31, the session will highlight key scientific questions surrounding the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and explore why these questions matter for climate mitigation, adaptation and risk management.

Speakers will include Hans-Otto Pörtner, Co-Chair of AMOC in Focus; Frank McGovern, EPA; Giulia Galluccio, CMCC; and Petra Manderscheid, JPI Climate.

The AMOC is a fundamental component of the Earth’s climate system, influencing regional and global climate, sea level, marine ecosystems and the carbon cycle. Recent scientific developments have intensified debate about the current state of the AMOC, the likelihood and magnitude of future weakening, and the potential consequences for societies and ecosystems.
Designed to complement and inform the IPCC AR7 process, the assessment is systematically evaluating the latest scientific evidence on AMOC dynamics, associated risks, confidence levels and knowledge gaps through a rigorous, transparent review process.

This talk will highlight critical scientific questions and explore their implications for climate mitigation, adaptation, and risk management policies.

(Banner Photo by Sara Calado on Unsplash)