The ocean current off the coast of North America is in crisis

The Gulf Stream, a strong ocean current that moves warm water from the Gulf of Mexico toward the East Coast, flows 12 to 50 miles off the coast of North Carolina. It helps fuel the state's vibrant seafood industry and plays an important role in weather systems not only in the state but also along the Atlantic.

The Gulf Stream is driven by what is known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Current (AMOC), one of the largest ocean circulation systems in the world. Imagine a giant hot tub stretching across the Atlantic Ocean.

Study from 2023 in the magazine Nature suggests that the entire AMOC system could collapse by mid-century, or even as early as 2025.

Scientists say this is due to climate change and that it would be catastrophic for the weather around the world. (Frank Graff, more at pbsnc.org)