A first writing workshop for the joint initiative by JPI Climate and JPI Oceans to undertake an AMOC Scientific Assessment will be held in Lecce, Italy on 12-15 January 2026. Authors assigned to the assessment report chapters are expected to convene in person to align on chapter content and collaboratively advance the drafting process.
About the Assessemnt
JPI Climate and JPI Oceans launched a joint initiative to assess the latest scientific knowledge on the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). The initiative builds on their prior collaboration on sea-level rise and began with a planning meeting in Brussels in January 2025, bringing together experts from 11 countries (BE, CA, DE, DK, FR, IE, IT, NO, PT, UK, US). This action was taken in light of growing concerns in the scientific community that the AMOC may be approaching a tipping point. A significant weakening, or even collapse, of this major ocean circulation system could trigger major disruptions to weather patterns, accelerate sea-level rise, and cause widespread ecological and socio-economic impacts.
Led by co-chairs Hans-Otto Pörtner (Alfred Wegener Institute, Germany) and Gerard McCarthy (Maynooth University, Ireland), the initiative will result in a scientific assessment report examining Current state and evolution of the AMOC, Future projections, Evidence for possible tipping points, Potential impacts on climate, ecosystems, and societies, as well as Adaptation, mitigation, and governance solutions.
The report aims to offer a focused, policy-relevant synthesis that is able to provide input for the IPCC’s Seventh Assessment Report, with final publication expected by end of 2026.
