Summary
The world ocean currently absorbs about 30% of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and is therefore an important source of solutions to fight the climate crisis. However, the development of ocean-based mitigation strategies requires improved representation of climate processes in Earth system models. In particular, modelling the effects of Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) weakening on the ocean’s ability to absorb CO2 remains a challenge, primarily due to a lack of understanding of climate feedback mechanisms. This project draws on high-resolution paleo-archives from the North Atlantic and a novel combination of geochemical tracers to determine how the AMOC varied during the Last Interglacial period, 129 to 115 thousand years ago, which is considered the best historic analog of the global climate state projected for the end of this century. The project will not only provide crucial constraints on magnitude of natural AMOC variability, but will allow, for the first time, a systematic investigation of AMOC-CO2 feedbacks in a warm climate, helping quantify the mechanisms that influence the ocean’s effectiveness in sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere. The results will move us forward in unraveling the ocean-climate nexus and help reduce uncertainties in climate projections, which will benefit the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The multi-faceted public engagement activities will maximize the project's contribution to the climate emergency and daily climate action, contributing to the EU Adaptation Strategy, the EU Green Deal and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
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| Web resources: | https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101109166 |
| Start date: | 01-09-2023 |
| End date: | 31-08-2026 |
| Total budget - Public funding: | - 289 407,00 Euro |
Cordis data
Original description
The world ocean currently absorbs about 30% of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and is therefore an important source of solutions to fight the climate crisis. However, the development of ocean-based mitigation strategies requires improved representation of climate processes in Earth system models. In particular, modelling the effects of Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) weakening on the ocean’s ability to absorb CO2 remains a challenge, primarily due to a lack of understanding of climate feedback mechanisms. This project draws on high-resolution paleo-archives from the North Atlantic and a novel combination of geochemical tracers to determine how the AMOC varied during the Last Interglacial period, 129 to 115 thousand years ago, which is considered the best historic analog of the global climate state projected for the end of this century. The project will not only provide crucial constraints on magnitude of natural AMOC variability, but will allow, for the first time, a systematic investigation of AMOC-CO2 feedbacks in a warm climate, helping quantify the mechanisms that influence the ocean’s effectiveness in sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere. The results will move us forward in unraveling the ocean-climate nexus and help reduce uncertainties in climate projections, which will benefit the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The multi-faceted public engagement activities will maximize the project's contribution to the climate emergency and daily climate action, contributing to the EU Adaptation Strategy, the EU Green Deal and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.Status
SIGNEDCall topic
HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF-01-01Update Date
31-07-2023
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