Scientists say ‘shocking’ discovery shows rapid cuts in carbon emissions are needed to avoid catastrophic fallout

Europe's mild climate is not caused by the Gulf Stream alone. The warm water that reaches Europe is carried mainly by the North Atlantic Current, the northeast extension of the Gulf Stream and part of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. Atmospheric westerly winds explain most of Europe's winter warmth relative to the same latitudes in eastern North America, with ocean heat transport providing an important but secondary contribution.