Imagine a world drastically altered, coastlines submerged, and weather patterns thrown into chaos. According to a team of climate scientists, this nightmarish scenario may become reality in late October 2031. Furthermore, the shutdown of Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) along with these event will disrupt vital heat and nutrient circulation systems required for the survival of current civilization.
This dire forecast, issued by the “Whatever Works” group, paints a picture of societal collapse. The group therefore promotes dramatic solutions to address the crisis. People throughout the world need to cease cooperation with governments that fail to join a global collaboration immediately. According to them, any delay in taking action could mean the end of civilization as we know it.
Naturally, the question arises: how did they pinpoint such a precise date?
James Smith, a spokesperson for the group and a Professor of Atmospheric Science at Oxford University, explained the reasoning behind their decision. “It was science, sort of,” he said with a touch of humor. While some members of the group expressed doubts about the specific timing, they all agreed that the events are inevitable and approaching sooner rather than later. As a result, they concluded that October 22, 2031, was a reasonable deadline to aim for, given the urgency of the situation.
Smith elaborated further, emphasizing that the choice of a specific date was intended to galvanize action. “Scientists saying ‘soon’ hasn’t led to the necessary global response to fight climate change,” he remarked. “Even if we are wrong about the exact date, setting a firm deadline could serve as a wake-up call for the world. It’s a way to highlight the impending danger and push for urgent change.”
The group acknowledges there exists the possibility of negative feedback. Nevertheless, they believe the risk of inaction far outweighs the risk of being wrong. The “Whatever Works” group aims to create a worldwide understanding of our planet’s dangerous condition. They maintain that human survival depends on quick and unified immediate action so as to stop the approaching catastrophe.
Reference- NOAA website, Medium story, Atmospheric Science Dept. at Oxford University, Nature