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Southern Ocean's Heat Could Trigger Climate Crisis Reversal

12/1/2025

24 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Southern Ocean stores over 90% of the heat added to the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution.
New modeling shows that if greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, the Southern Ocean could abruptly release this heat in a thermal burp, reversing climate progress.
Experts say reducing emissions now is essential to mitigate future climate surprises.

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Story summary

The Southern Ocean stores over 90% of the heat added to the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution.
New modeling shows that if greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, the Southern Ocean could abruptly release this heat in a thermal burp, reversing climate progress.
Experts say reducing emissions now is essential to mitigate future climate surprises.