Climate Change is Slowing Down Earth's Rotation

The slowing rotation is counteracting a recent trend of the Earth spinning faster. This trend had raised the possibility of adding a negative leap second as early as 2026. However, the melting ice is delaying this event by about three years, pushing it to 2029.

Subtracting a second from atomic clocks is unprecedented and could disrupt computer networks not designed for this change. Precise timekeeping is critical for satellite navigation, telecommunications, financial transactions, and other systems. Ensuring these systems can adapt to such a change is a significant challenge.

The necessity of precise timekeeping underscores the potential for widespread disruption. Satellite navigation, telecommunications, financial transactions, and other critical systems rely on exact time measurements. Adapting these systems to account for a negative leap second will be essential to prevent operational issues.

While the Earth's rotation has slowed over geological timescales, this is the first time human activities, such as greenhouse gas emissions, have altered it on a measurable scale. These findings highlight the far-reaching impacts of climate change, including sea level rise that accelerates the sinking of major coastal cities faster than previously estimated.