Climate change may be driving increases in many ocean current speeds

[Mike OReilly]

Some new research on ocean currents and climate change which have a rather direct bearing on many of us:

(Science Advances): Surface warming–induced global acceleration of upper ocean currents

ABSTRACT: Our results show that the surface warming effect, a robust feature of anthropogenic climate change, dominates and accelerates the upper ocean currents in 77% of the global ocean.

And from a news article written in Science about the findings:
Global warming is speeding up ocean currents.

Two years ago, oceanographers made a surprising discovery: Not only have oceans been warming because of human-driven climate change, but the currents that flow through them have accelerated—by some 15% per decade from 1990 to 2013. At the time, many scientists suspected faster ocean winds were driving the speedup. But a new modeling study fingers another culprit: the ocean’s own tendency to warm from top to bottom, leading to constricted surface layers where water flows faster, like blood in clogged arteries. The study suggests climate change will continue to speed up across ocean currents, potentially limiting the heat the ocean can capture and complicating migrations for already stressed marine life.

While they found that increasing global temperature accelerated most ocean currents, "[o]ne notable exception was the Gulf Stream, which is likely slowing for an unrelated reason: As Arctic ice melts, it dilutes the sinking, salty water in the North Atlantic that pulls the current northward."

[GordMay]

Ocean Currents Are Speeding Up
Study shows current speeds increasing, by 15 percent per decade, most notably in the tropics and other parts of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans. Meanwhile, currents in other parts of the ocean, however, are slowing, especially the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation [Gulf Stream]. As a global average, however, currents are increasing.
Accelerating winds are the culprit.
According to multiple studies, wind speeds over the ocean are increasing, and since winds are one of the main forces behind ocean circulation, currents are speeding up as a result. Accelerating winds are also responsible for bigger ocean waves in parts of the world. While the exact reason for this change is not confirmed, scientists suspect that it is caused by global warming and natural climate variations, and models suggest that global warming will continue to strengthen winds, which will speed ocean currents further.
More about ➥ https://www.scientificamerican.com/a...-faster-winds/

The study, from two years ago, cited in Mike’s ‘Science’ article [2ND link]:
[1] “Deep-reaching acceleration of global mean ocean circulation over the past two decades” ~ by Shijian Hu et al
➥ https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aax7727

[JPA Cate]

It would help to know which currents, where. Some charts show rates of flow in some places, but it would be so cool to hop on the escalator as it were, and take advantage of currents setting you towards where you want to go...

We do it on the east coast of Australia, where the EAC (East Australia Current) can run up to 3 knots southwards. It is a great assist headed from Qld to Tassie. It peters out after you leave the edge of the continent. However Bass and Banks Straits do offer currents to help you on your way, as well, or not, if you didn't pay attention!

Ann

[Mike OReilly]

Yes indeed. It's wonderful to ride a river of water. Makes boats like mine actually feel fast for a change.

I think if you can digest the original paper, you can find the detail you're looking for. Although, it's not easy to process, which is why I also linked to the news item.

[Celestialsailor]

It is my belief if the glaciers continue to melt and the differential between extreme latitudes, which are generally suppose to be cold and the warmer waters as you get closer to the equator will lessen. As warm water seeks cooler temperatures and the cooler temperatures continue to become less cool, this "engine" will slow down. We might be seeing an increase now but I think it will reverse, also having a damaging effect.

[Mike OReilly]

If I read the article correctly CS, I think part of the reason these findings are so interesting is that most people were thinking along your lines. This is why scientists have been attributing the observed increases in current velocities to wind effects.

This new research -- IF it is borne out -- suggests a new mechanism, or at least one science hadn't considered before. If true, it should lead to an increase in current speeds over the coming decades. Although in the very long run, as planetary warming becomes ubiquitous, you're probably right that things should slow down.

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

If I read the article correctly CS, I think part of the reason these findings are so interesting is that most people were thinking along your lines. This is why scientists have been attributing the observed increases in current velocities to wind effects.

This new research -- IF it is borne out -- suggests a new mechanism, or at least one science hadn't considered before. If true, it should lead to an increase in current speeds over the coming decades. Although in the very long run, as planetary warming becomes ubiquitous, you're probably right that things should slow down.

The effects of decreased wind would have it's own catastrophic effects. Imagine a world where there was not enough wind to sail...we would all end up tied to a dock and theorizing on CF! ...Oh wait.

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

The effects of decreased wind would have it's own catastrophic effects. Imagine a world where there was not enough wind to sail...we would all end up tied to a dock and theorizing on CF! ...Oh wait.

The Horror! The Horror!

[GreenWave]

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

The Horror! The Horror!

Oh you guys just BLEW my retirement dream!

[Jim Cate]

Umm... I thought that we were supposed to worry about stronger winds at sea due to increased convection as the sea warms... you know, more Cat 5 cyclones, etc, as well as less violent systems.



Lots of conflicting studies, it seems... it is a very complicated system to understand. My own theory is simply that Neptune and his minions are just pissed off at us for neglecting thousands of equatorial crossings each day sans the proper ceremonies and libations poured into the sea. Folks in airplanes and cruise liners just don't know how to behave properly.

Jim

[Pirate1221]

I find it interesting that the hair on fire climate radicals are buying ocean front property. Relax people...

[Celestialsailor]

No worst than the climate deniers calling the kettle black.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Pirate1221

I find it interesting that the hair on fire climate radicals are buying ocean front property. Relax people...

Climate activists invest in property on beaches they say are disappearing
Utterly shameless – Washington Examiner [1] has produced a list of climate hypocrites who spend millions buying exclusive beachfront properties, while telling everyone else that such properties will soon be destroyed by rising sea levels.
More about ➥ https://wattsupwiththat.com/2021/06/...-disappearing/

[1] ➥ https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/p...hange-sea-rise

Rising Seas Aren’t Causing Coastal Property Values to Decline
Climate change is causing sea levels to rise, threatening expensive waterfront properties. But according to a new study [2] co-authored by Yale SOM’s Matthew Spiegel, prices are not falling in the areas most likely to be affected.
Do steady prices represent a failure of the market to incorporate the risks associated with the climate crisis? Not necessarily, Spiegel argues. There’s a reason why “waterfront property is phenomenally expensive,” he says: there’s a finite supply of coastal property, and people like to live on the water. Buyers may also, not unreasonably, view sea level rise as a long-term issue and believe mitigation efforts will successfully hold back the rising tides.
More about ➥ https://insights.som.yale.edu/insigh...ues-to-decline

[2] “Is the Risk of Sea Level Rise Capitalized in Residential Real Estate?” ~ by Justin Murfin & Matthew Spiegel
➥ https://academic.oup.com/rfs/article...access-message

Is climate change being priced into coastal real estate? Depends if you are buying from a believer or not

Recently published research in the journal The Review of Regional Studies revealed that dwellings facing the highest risk of flooding from a rise in sea levels sell for a discount relative to risk-free properties.

Empirical research has demonstrated that properties less or unlikely to be flooded in the future sell at a premium. However, as the flooding risk elevates, coastal properties experience a discount in property values.

Still, a drop in values is more pronounced in areas inhabited by those who believe in climate change. In counties where climate change deniers are in majority, the expected drop in valuation is lower.

Thus, the answer to the question of whether global warming affects housing prices depends at least in part on who you’re asking.

More ➥ https://financialpost.com/real-estat...eliever-or-not

Here’s a long (71 page) read:
“Climate Risk & Commercial Property Values: A review and analysis of the literature” ~ by Clayton, J.; Devaney et al, for the UNEP Finance Initiative
➥ https://www.unepfi.org/wordpress/wp-...ue_Aug2021.pdf


"The carbon market drives land sales in Scotland"
Environmentalists are buying up estates in the Highlands
➥ https://www.economist.com/britain/20...es-in-scotland

[GordMay]

It’s true that Bill Gates [for instance] bought a beachfront house, in danger from sea level rise … but, come on. It's Bill Gates.

He's 67 years old [born in 1955]. Sea level rise is a major threat to many population centres, but we're still talking centimetres per decade, and he won't be around many decades from now.
The Pacific Ocean has risen about 30cm since 1990, so on average, about 1cm/year. Assuming the ocean rising speed continues the way it has, he probably has a couple hundred years. Of course the speed in which the ocean is rising won’t stay the same, but even if the speed is doubled, you’re looking at more than 40 years [he'd be 107 Y/O].
Are you concerned about flooding in your house when you're long dead? If so … well, I see no reason to assume that Gates shares your weird hang-up.

You may not know this, but he's really rich. Really, really rich.

If sea level rise accelerated fantastically, he could probably afford to live in a seaside mansion, and buy a new one every year, as the last one flooded.
While a house is the most expensive object you, or I, may ever own, in our lives, and buying a house will be one of the 3 biggest decisions we will ever make; to Bill Gates a house [by the ocean] is as disposable as toilet paper. He could buy a new one every month, for the rest of his life, and still never run out of money.

Why would anyone buy a sports car worth more than $100,000 USD [or $1,000,000]. They are highly impractical, expensive in maintenance, and in most countries, you are not allowed (or able) to use them to their full potential. From a rational point of view, they are a waste of money.

So, what does a really, really rich guy, making a poor VERY, VERY long-term investment, for LIFESTYLE, say about any scientific fact?

[GordMay]

Literally, in the original Greek meaning, the word philanthropy is the “love of humanity” [“philos” meaning “love” and “anthropos” meaning “man” or “humanity”].
However, it’s mostly associated with individuals, who show their love for their fellow man, in a specific way, namely through sharing their wealth [the activity of helping the poor, especially by giving them money:].
More specifically, the term is usually reserved for extremely wealthy individuals, who use their good fortune to help others. History is full of such people.

Despite spending some of his wealth, on personal luxury [ie: beach-house], Bill Gates remains one of the worlds top philanthropists, of all time [most often listed as #2].

For almost two decades, Bill Gates was the undisputed richest man on the planet. While he might have now lost that title, he is arguably the world’s biggest philanthropist. Indeed, while Gates made his fortune in computer software, he is now equally as famous for his philanthropy work, and his commitment to give away 99% of his personal wealth before he dies.

Some of the world’s richest people have recently been seen giving away vast portions of their amassed fortunes, to a variety of international causes. Some, like investor Warren Buffett, and Bill Gates, have reacted to the global economic crisis, by encouraging their fellow billionaires to give generously. Others have been doing it quietly ever since they made it big.

5 Biggest Philanthropists Of All Time (varies, depending upon source)

1: Andrew Carnegie: (Estimated after adjustment $75-297.8 billion, out of a total Net Worth of $298.3 billion).
Carnegie is one of history’s richest men. He died nearly a century ago. However, Carnegie is still the biggest philanthropist of all time. He amassed one of the largest fortunes ever seen, through the burgeoning U.S. Steel industry ($298.3 billion in 2007 dollars according to Forbes). After that, the Scottish immigrant spent the last twenty years of his life, giving away over 90% of his wealth.

2: Bill and Melinda Gates: ($28 billion,Net Worth $74 billion)
Perhaps the most successful entrepreneur of the information age, Bill Gates amassed an immense fortune, as the co-founder and chairman of Microsoft, holding the title of the world’s richest man multiple times. Since 1999, Gates has poured money into his Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which, in alliance with the efforts of Warren Buffett, has become one of the world’s leading philanthropic foundations, primarily focusing on global healthcare, poverty, education, and increasing access to information technology.

3: Warren Buffet: [$25 Billion,Net Worth $58.7 billion)
Buffet is one of the world’s wealthiest people. Also, he is one of the most generous on the list of billionaire philanthropists.
Notable for his personal frugality, and consistently successful investment advice, Buffett, in alliance with Gates, created the “Giving Pledge”, in response to the current economic crises, encouraging America’s billionaires to invest the majority of their wealth in philanthropic causes. Buffett himself has committed $25 billion of his fortune, largely to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

4: George Soros: ($10 Billion, Net Worth $20 billion)
Soros was born in Hungary. He emigrated after WW2 to study at the London School of Economics. George served as a waiter and railway porter to survive. Soros excelled in the financial field, developing the economic theory of reflexivity, and becoming infamous as ‘The Man Who Broke the Bank of England’ during the 1992 UK currency crises.
He has long been a supporter of human rights and open democratic societies. During the 1970s, Soros funded both black students, living under South African apartheid, and dissidents behind the iron curtain. He is also credited with being instrumental in the transition from communism to capitalism, in Hungary during the 1980s.
In 1993, Soros founded the “Open Society Foundation”. It is a public policy grant network. By the way, his foundation promotes social reform, human rights, and democracy. Among the billions Soros has donated, 1.7 billion has gone to human rights efforts. Moreover, another 1.6 billion has gone to education.

5: Gordon Moore: ($6.8 Billion,Net Worth $4.6 billion)
Gordon Moore made his fortune as a co-founder and chairman of the Intel Corporation. He is famous as the author of ‘Moore’s Law’, which is typically called upon to explain the big steps in computing capability over the past several decades.
Through the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Moore and his wife have directed nearly $7 billion towards higher education, environmental conservation, nursing education, and the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope in Hawaii, the largest optical telescope in the world.

According to Wikipedia, the following table orders the greatest philanthropists by the estimated amount given to charity, corresponding to USD.
Jamsetji Tata $102.4 billion Education, healthcare
Bill Gates $35.8 billion Healthcare, extreme poverty, education, access to information technology
Warren Buffett $34 billion Healthcare, education, AIDS-prevention, sanitation
George Soros $32 billion Healthcare, anti-fascist publications, human rights, economic, legal, and social reform
Azim Premji $21 billion Education, healthcare
More ➥ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_philanthropists

Here’s another listing:
1. Jamsetji Tata $102.4 Billion
2. Bill Gates & Melinda French Gates $74.6 B
3. Henry Wellcome $56.7 B
4. Howard Hughes $38.6 B
5. Warren Buffett $37.4 B