The Eiffel Tower is buried part-way in snow. The London Eye has frozen shut and Moscow has become so cold that people are living underground. We are in another Ice AgeA long period of time in which global temperatures are extremely cold..

This could be a montage from a second rate science fiction disaster film, but a deep freeze in Europe is a real possibility.

Global warming could cause the collapse of the Gulf Stream, a current of warm water that flows across the Atlantic from Florida and keeps temperatures moderate in Europe.

Equivalent in energy output to millions of power stations, the Gulf Stream is one part of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (Amoc), a network of currents pumping warm water around the globe. 

Now that Greenland's freshwater ice cap is melting into the ocean, this low-density colder water has slowed down the Amoc system, which is now at its weakest point in 1,600 years.

If the Gulf Stream does shut down, temperatures in Europe could fall between 10 and 15C. 

This would transform the continent and its agriculture. Food might become scarcer. Winters might become difficult to survive.

Will this affect all of us?

Yes! There is no doubt about it. Countries in Europe will be most directly affected, but everywhere will face consequences.

No! Most people will have to change their lives because of colder temperatures. But, as is often the case, some of the ultra-wealthy will find a way to escape the worse effects.