Study Reveals Southern Ocean Absorbing 50% More CO2 Than Predicted, Rewriting Climate Models
A new study has shocked climate scientists by revealing that the Southern Ocean is absorbing carbon dioxide at a rate 50% higher than previously estimated, thanks to a "microbial pump" discovered in its deep currents. This unexpected carbon sink could buy humanity an extra decade to curb emissions—but researchers warn it may also trigger unforeseen consequences, like accelerating ocean acidification that threatens Antarctic food webs. The findings, published in Nature Geoscience today, are already reshaping global climate policy debates.