Bapon (SHM) Fakhruddin, PhD

The eastern Pacific ocean near South America is mysteriously cooling instead of warming as climate models predict. This phenomenon, dubbed the “cold tongue,” has massive implications for the pace of climate change worldwide. If it continues, it could slow global warming and reduce some impacts. But if it reverses, we may face an abrupt climate emergency beyond anything we’ve prepared for.

The cold tongue is reducing cloud cover over the Pacific, allowing more heat to escape the atmosphere. This could cut projected warming this century by 30%, potentially sparing regions like California from permanent drought. But it also mimics La Niña conditions, threatening the Horn of Africa with famine and the US Southwest with endless megadroughts.

If the Pacific flips back to warming, the results would be globally catastrophic. It would supercharge atmospheric heating beyond what models predict, pushing coral reefs, rainforests, and vulnerable communities past their breaking point. Storms, floods, heatwaves, and droughts could smash records thought impossible.

We don’t know what’s causing the cold tongue or how long it will last. Leading theories blame melting Antarctic ice sheets or winds carrying cold water to the surface. Some scientists think the cooling is permanent. Others warn the Pacific could “flip” back to warming within decades. If so, it would overwhelm infrastructure and economies worldwide.

Solving this mystery is now a top priority. Until we do, we can’t reliably predict regional climate impacts or make proper plans. The Eastern Pacific holds the key to our climate future. Whether it continues cooling or reverses course, the consequences will be immense. The cold tongue is the calm before the storm—we must uncover its secrets before the catastrophe strikes.

https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25934500-100-something-strange-is-happening-in-the-pacific-and-we-must-find-out-why/