Melting Antarctic ice predicted to cause rapid slowdown of deep ocean current by 2050

New research by Australian scientists suggests 40% slowdown in just three decades could alter world's climate for centuries

Melting ice around Antarctica will cause a rapid slowdown of a major global deep ocean current by 2050 that could alter the world's climate for centuries and accelerate sea level rise, according to scientists behind new research.

The research suggests if greenhouse gas emissions continue at today's levels, the current in the deepest parts of the ocean could slow down by 40% in only three decades.