Scientists have now shown that it is highly likely that the Gulf Stream can be turned off completely in a VERY short time - perhaps merely days. You are in charge of ship-scheduling for a large Trans-oceanic shipping firm that handles upwards of 100 cargo ships weekly between N. America and many European ports. FIRST: assume that tomorrow the Gulf Stream turns off. You have 600 ship-trips in scheduling, and 150 ships at sea at the moment you find out. What will be your biggest problem in adjusting your business to the new oceanic conditions, and why? Assume instead that the turn-off has not yet happened, but that your boss takes the possibility very seriously.
What contingency plans should you develop "just in case?" Also, diesel ships use the currents to save time and money, do nuclear-powered ships care? Relate this to the current sky-high price of diesel. Do you think we'll start seeing civilian nuclear-powered cargo ships?