Climate Tipping Point Possibly Achieved Before the Permian-Triassic Extinction Incident
One of the most significant extinction events recorded in Earth’s history has led to an exciting new finding. Recently uncovered fossils from the era known as the “Great Dying” indicate that the climate tipping point may have already been surpassed before the onset of the event.
The Great Dying, scientifically referred to as the Permian-Triassic Mass Extinction, occurred approximately 252 million years ago. This event resulted in the extinction of the majority of marine life and substantial reductions in terrestrial plants and animals. Although this event is predominantly blamed on intense global warming triggered by volcanic eruptions, scientists have long wondered why the severe greenhouse conditions persisted for around five million years following the extinction.
Crossing the tipping point
Evidence from the fossils discovered during this era may provide an explanation. According to findings published by the researchers in Nature Communications, the extinction and slow recovery of tropical forests during this time constrained what we refer to as carbon sequestration. This process is essential for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in plants and soil, playing a crucial role in regulating the climate on our planet.
In the absence of this process, carbon dioxide could not be effectively eliminated from the atmosphere, leading to its continued accumulation. Consequently, there were extended durations with elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Thus, the researchers propose that the climate tipping point was crossed before the volcanic activity that initiated the event actually commenced.
This is the sole high-temperature occurrence in Earth’s history known to result in the collapse of the vital biosphere found in tropical forests. This is precisely why the researchers initiated this line of inquiry. After several years of data collection and analysis of fossil records, they have finally amassed the evidence needed to support their hypothesis.
This theory also appears to lend credence to the notion that multiple tipping points, or thresholds, exist within the Earth’s climate-carbon system. When these tipping points are approached—akin to our current situation—there can be significant amplification of global warming. If the tipping point was reached, it may have catalyzed the volcanic activity that researchers frequently associate with the start of the event.
What is done with this data is ultimately the responsibility of the researchers. It could prove pivotal in comprehending the current battle against climate change and assessing whether we will be able to prevent crossing the tipping point once more.
Read More
