The ocean currents are changing, with major implications for climate around the world. Yet our new article published in Nature Sustainability suggests most governments are not preparing for this possibility. Of 91 national adaptation plans submitted to the U.N. climate convention, only two even mention that key Atlantic current, and neither sets out concrete action in response to its possible collapse.

The flooding this week has hit several Orange County coastal towns, but experts say it is likely just a preview of more intense problems to come this winter as a major El Niño is expected to bring heavy rain, high surf and flooding.