Scientists say lessons from earth's history should spur climate action

Sea level was 20 metres higher and beech trees grew in Antarctica the last time levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere were as high as they are today, according to new international research.

The study, led by scientists at the University of St Andrews, has traced the climate history of the earth back 66 million years to the age of the dinosaurs.

The findings show more clearly than ever before the link between carbon dioxide concentrations and climate.

They suggest prehistoric levels of warmth, never before experienced by the human race, will be the norm if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise at the current rate.

Ancient remains found in deep-sea mud cores - such as this Foraminifera shell - preserve a record of historical carbon dioxide levels

The team says urgent action is needed to prevent such a scenario.

Lead researchers Dr James Rae, from the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of St Andrews, said: “The last time CO2 was as high as it is today, enough ice melted to raise sea level by 20 metres and it was warm enough for beech trees to grow on Antarctica.

“If we allow fossil fuel burning to continue to grow, our grandchildren may experience CO2 levels that haven’t been seen on earth for around 50 million years, a time when crocodiles roamed the Arctic.”

As part of the study, the team – including scientists from Texas A&M University, the University of Southampton and the Swiss University ETH Zürich – analysed samples of mud from the deep-sea floor, containing microscopic fossils and ancient molecules.

This matter provides a permanent record of carbon levels and what the climate looked like across the ages.

By firing these ancient atoms through super-sensitive instruments, scientists are able to detect the chemical fingerprints of past changes in carbon dioxide and then compare levels with those seen in the present day.

The study explains how human activities such as burning of fossil fuels and destruction of forests have increased carbon dioxide to levels not seen since around three million years ago.

Dr Rae added: “CO2 has transformed the face of our planet before, and unless we cut emissions as quickly as possible it will do it again.”

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