Earth's strongest ocean current could slow down by 20% by 2050 in a high emissions future

Melting Antarctic ice is releasing cold, fresh water into the ocean, which is projected to cause the slowdownGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastIn a high emissions future, the world's strongest ocean current could slow down by 20% by 2050, further accelerating Antarctic ice sheet melting and sea level rise, an Australian-led study has found.The Antarctic Circumpolar Current - a clockwise current more than four times stronger than the Gulf Stream that links the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans - plays a critical role in the climate system by influencing the uptake of heat and carbon dioxide in the ocean and preventing warmer waters from reaching Antarctica.Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email Continue reading...