New Study Reveals Ancient Atmospheric CO2 Levels and Implications for Climate Change
A consortium of more than 80 researchers from 16 nations has conducted a groundbreaking study that provides a comprehensive review of ancient atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and corresponding temperatures. Spanning a remarkable 66 million years, this study offers valuable insights into the future trajectory of Earth’s climate by contextualizing present-day CO2 concentrations within the larger scope of deep time.
The study’s most startling revelation is that the last time atmospheric CO2 consistently reached levels driven by human activities today was a shocking 14 million years ago. This finding challenges previous assessments that suggested a shorter duration for such levels. It underscores the high sensitivity of long-term climate to greenhouse gases and highlights the potential cascading effects that may unfold over thousands of years.
While mainstream estimates project that doubling the atmospheric CO2 concentration would result in average global temperature increases of 1.5 to 4.5 degrees Celsius, recent studies suggest that the consensus may underestimate the planet’s sensitivity to CO2. These studies project a more significant warming effect of 3.6 to 6 degrees Celsius per doubling. Regardless of the exact temperature changes, the study establishes that the planet has already entered unprecedented conditions never before experienced by humans.
Although the study does not provide specific predictions for future temperatures, it does have implications for present climate policy. The research emphasizes the need for climate modelers to incorporate these newly obtained observations into their studies to gain a better understanding of short-term and long-term processes.
Furthermore, the study refines the understanding of specific time periods, revealing that CO2 concentrations during the Cenozoic era, around 66 to 56 million years ago, were higher than previously thought. This not only impacts the climate but also affects ecosystems, as evidenced by the evolution of plant and animal species during periods of CO2 decline.
Excitingly, the research team plans to expand their project and assess the evolution of CO2 and climate over the entire Phanerozoic eon, covering a span of 540 million years to the present. By doing so, they aim to shed further light on Earth’s climate history and its implications for future climate change.
This study serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address and mitigate the harmful effects of greenhouse gas emissions. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, these newfound research findings provide critical information to guide policymakers, researchers, and climate activists in implementing effective climate policies and measures.
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