What happens when the Atlantic hits its tipping point?

+ are AI companions really your friends? US Edition - Today's top story: Atlantic Ocean is headed for a tipping point − once melting glaciers shut down the Gulf Stream, we would see extreme climate change within decades, study shows [View in browser]( US Edition | 12 February 2024 [The Conversation] [The Conversation]( Top headlines - [Can anyone make a citizen’s arrest?]( - [Preelection polls are extremely imprecise but still useful]( - [Are you in love, or do you need a bigger vocabulary?]( Lead story Twenty years ago, the disaster movie “The Day After Tomorrow” came out in theaters and, amid the drama and special effects, made people think about climate change. In it, the Atlantic Ocean circulation abruptly shuts down. Without warm water flowing up from the tropics, unfathomable storms break out and New York City freezes over. Yes, the movie is over the top – it’s Hollywood – but it draws inspiration from a serious concern. Scientists have been studying these ocean currents for years and watching them slowly lose strength. In a new scientific study, climate researchers René van Westen, Henk Dijkstra and Michael Kliphuis show that the [Atlantic’s circulation slowdown is headed toward a tipping point](. Using high-tech models of the Earth’s climate, they show what’s likely to happen in North America, Europe and elsewhere if it reaches that point and starts a faster, likely unstoppable shutdown. They also found a warning signal to watch for. [ [Understand what’s going on in Washington and around the world. Get our Politics Weekly newsletter.]( ] Stacy Morford Environment + Climate Editor Too much fresh water from Greenland’s ice sheet can slow the Atlantic Ocean’s circulation. Paul Souders/Stone via Getty Images [Atlantic Ocean is headed for a tipping point − once melting glaciers shut down the Gulf Stream, we would see extreme climate change within decades, study shows]( René van Westen, Utrecht University; Henk A. Dijkstra, Utrecht University; Michael Kliphuis, Utrecht University Scientists now have a better understanding of the risks ahead and a new early warning signal to watch for. Health + Medicine - [Family caregivers face financial burdens, isolation and limited resources − a social worker explains how to improve quality of life for this growing population]( Kathy L. Lee, University of Texas at Arlington Family caregivers who have stronger support networks and positive communication with loved ones tend to be more resilient. Science + Technology - [AI ‘companions’ promise to combat loneliness, but history shows the dangers of one-way relationships]( Anna Mae Duane, University of Connecticut Tech companies are offering AI companions as a convenient cure for the loneliness epidemic, but there have been other forms of faux relationships, and they tend to have more to do with ego than heart. - [Are you really in love? How expanding your love lexicon can change your relationships and how you see yourself]( Georgi Gardiner, University of Tennessee Words have power, and what vocabulary you have at your disposal to describe your relationships with other people can shape what directions those relationships can take. Politics + Society - [Pakistan’s post-election crisis – how anti-army vote may deliver an unstable government that falls into the military’s hands]( Ayesha Jalal, Tufts University The PTI, the party of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, won the most seats of any one party – but fell short of reaching the threshold for a majority government. - [A brief history of Dearborn, Michigan – the first Arab-American majority city in the US]( Sally Howell, University of Michigan-Dearborn; Amny Shuraydi, University of Michigan-Dearborn The city often becomes a magnet for anti-Arab sentiment during election years and global conflicts; however, the more interesting story is what happens in the city when the spotlight is turned off. - [Can anyone make a citizen’s arrest? The history and legalities of catching criminals yourself]( Seth W. Stoughton, University of South Carolina; Caroline McAtee, University of South Carolina Stopping someone against their will can be false imprisonment or even kidnapping. There are laws that determine who is acting as a hero and who is acting as a vigilante. - [Early polls can offer some insight into candidates’ weak points – but are extremely imprecise]( W. Joseph Campbell, American University School of Communication Imprecision in election polling has long been recognized. But advance polls are still useful in recognizing trends in voter preferences, and candidates’ weak points. - [Are you seeing news reports of voting problems? 4 essential reads on election disinformation]( Jeff Inglis, The Conversation Scholars discuss aspects of protecting election integrity in the face of efforts to cast aspersions on voting results. Arts + Culture - [Lorne Michaels, the man behind the curtain at ‘Saturday Night Live,’ has been minting comedy gold for nearly 50 years]( Chris Lamb, Indiana University The show has served as the nation’s laugh track for decades. Who will take over when he retires? Trending on site - [Love may be timeless, but the way we talk about it isn’t − the ancient Greeks’ ideas about desire challenge modern-day readers, lovers and even philosophers]( - [It’s the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese zodiac − associated with good fortune, wisdom and success]( - [What’s sociology? A sociologist explains why Florida’s college students should get the chance to learn how social forces affect everyone’s lives]( Author Comment 💬 “There’s some great research along these lines, showing that taking a “third person view” of your situation can help people respond constructively to situations. It seems to make it easier to accept emotional responses and look at the best way to respond to the situation you’re facing.” – Heather Lench on the story, [Anger, sadness, boredom, anxiety – emotions that feel bad can be useful]( - - More of The Conversation Like this newsletter? You might be interested in our weekly and biweekly emails: • [Weekly Highlights]( • [Science Editors' Picks]( • [This Week in Religion]( • [Politics Weekly]( • [Global Perspectives]( • [Global Economy & Business]( Follow us on social media: • [Threads]( • [Bluesky]( • [Mastodon]( • [Post.news]( • [LinkedIn]( • [Instagram]( • [Facebook]( • Or [get a daily text from us]( - - About The Conversation We're a nonprofit news organization dedicated to [helping academic experts share ideas with the public](. We can give away our articles thanks to the help of foundations, universities and readers like you. 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