article_snippet: The Gulf Stream, the ocean current that brings mild weather to northern Europe and balmy conditions to the south east of the US, is slowing at its fastest rate in  1,000 years.
article_snippet: New research has revealed that the enormous currents that circulate warm and cold water around the North Atlantic ocean has slowed by 15-20 per cent over the past century.
article_snippet: Now we have detected strong evidence that the global conveyor has indeed been weakening in the past hundred years, particularly since 1970.
article_snippet: Using recent sea surface and atmospheric temperature data, along with data from ice-cores, tree rings and sediments, the researchers found that the changes in the ocean currents are unprecedented since the year 900AD.
article_snippet: an influx of freshwater into the North Atlantic warn, however, that if the circulation weakens too much the circulation could even break down completely.
article_snippet: Professor Ramhmstorf said: 'If the slowdown of the the northern Atlantic overturning continues, the impacts might be substantial. '
article_snippet: Disturbing the circulation will likely have a negative effect on the ocean ecosystem, and thereby fisheries and the associated livelihoods of many people in coastal areas. '
article_snippet: A slowdown also adds to the regional sea-level rise affecting cities like New York and Boston. '
article_snippet: Professor Jason Box, from the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, said Professor Jason Box, from the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland appeared man-made climate change was responsible for the slow down of the Gulf Stream and may worsen as global temperatures increase.
article_snippet: Professor Jason Box, from the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland said: 'The human-caused mass loss of the Greenland ice sheet appears to be slowing down the the northern Atlantic overturning –
highlights_snippet: Scientists at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research say ocean currents that drive the Gulf Stream has slowed by 15-20% .
  