Climate researchers gather to discuss the effects of sudden changes in Atlantic ocean currents. Nordic Tipping Week organized in Helsinki and Rovaniemi is part of a project focusing on the direct and indirect effects of sudden changes in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) in the Nordic countries.

In October 2024, climate researchers sent an open letter to the Nordic Council of
Ministers. The letter expressed concern about the inadequacy of mitigation
measures, research, and preparedness in relation to possible changes in Atlantic
circulation due to severe warming. The risks associated with changes in the AMOC
(Atlantic meridional overturning circulation) were urged to be taken
seriously.

Climate researchers are gathering on October
21–24, 2025 to discuss the matter. The Nordic Tipping Week is organized in two
parts. The first part (21–22 Oct) will be held in Helsinki and will focus on
multidisciplinary research into sudden changes in Atlantic circulation and on
researched data on the effects of possible changes. The second part will take place
in Rovaniemi (23–24 Oct), where up-to-date information will be provided on what the
weakening or cessation of the AMOC could mean for northern Finland.

In Rovaniemi workshop participants will include local stakeholders. The
workshops will provide an opportunity to discuss, share local knowledge, and
consider the adaptability and preparedness of livelihoods and lifestyles.

– The aim of the Rovaniemi workshop is to respond to the
information needs of local actors and stakeholders and to bring together people who
have not previously discussed the topic together. The objectives are to increase
knowledge and co-produce information, says researcher Sirpa Rasmus
from the Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland.

The project is funded by The Nordic Council of Ministers and
implemented by the Finnish Meteorological Institute, the University of Helsinki, and
the University of Lapland.

The responsible persons for the
project are Aleksi Nummelin and Timo
Vihma, research professors at the Finnish Meteorological Institute,
and for the Rovaniemi workshop, Sirpa Rasmus, university researcher at the Arctic
Centre of the University of Lapland. The project steering group includes
representatives from all the Nordic countries.

More information:

Nordic Tipping Week Program

Program of
the Rovaniemi workshop

Contacts:

Sirpa Rasmus,
University Researcher, Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland
sirpa.rasmus@ulapland.fi, +35840 484 4358

Timo Vihma,
Research Professor, the Finnish Meteorological Institute
timo.vihma@fmi.fi,  +35850 412 6365