The AMOC is currently slowing down.

Is it true that the AMOC is currently slowing down?

Partly. Several sources report observational or proxy signals consistent with the AMOC weakening or slowing, including NOAA noting research shows weakening over the past century, though it calls continued slowing uncertain. Other sources note the debate on current slowing remains open, and one CMIP6 model study finds no critical slowing down, so the evidence only partially addresses whether the AMOC is currently slowing.

Verdict: CONTESTED PARTIAL · 4 sources for, 1 against · Last checked 17 Oct 2026

Yami, M. B., Boers, N., Skiba, V., & Bathiany, S. (2023). Uncertainties in critical slowing down indicators of observation-based fingerprints of the AMOC. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu23-2359

Ben-Yami, M., Blaschke, L., Bathiany, S., & Boers, N. (2026). No critical slowing down in the Atlantic Overturning Circulation in historical CMIP6 simulations. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pclm.0000781

Tipping points in ocean and atmosphere circulations. (2025). hal.science. https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-16-1611-2025

What is the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)?dot gov iconhttps icon. (n.d.). oceanservice.noaa.gov. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/amoc.html

Reconciled warning signals in observations and models indicate a nearing AMOC tipping point. (2025). doi.org. https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-859