The Greatest Extinction in History was Caused by Climate Change
A new study has established a connection between the largest extinction event in the history of our planet and a global warming event that took place at the same time. Nicknamed the Great Dying, the event took place approximately 252 million years ago.
The results consolidate a grim portrait pained by several other studies that have previously shown a rampant decline in biodiversity around the globe. If global warming continues to grow unchecked the results may be dire. When the Permian Period was ending the Great Dying eradicated over 95% of all marine life and almost 70% of all known terrestrial species.
We are currently going in the same direction today as humanity is actively generating greenhouse gases that warm the atmosphere. As global warming increases vulnerable species will inevitably become extinct and there is no way to revive them.
The team of researchers employed a supercomputer in order to simulate an advanced model. The model allowed them to observe how the greenhouse gas released during the active volcanic stage of the Permian Period influenced the wildlife.
While a previous link has been suspected by several scientists the results have confirmed the theory as the evolution of the climate matches what was discovered in fossil samples.
As the global temperature climbed the ocean waters became too warm for the marine life and they suffocated when oxygen levels started to plummet at an alarming rate.
In our current time scientists are actively monitoring the oxygen depletion phenomenon that is currently affecting the world’s oceans. The study encourages the need for rapid change in order to mitigate the damage that is already happening.
An international conference is taking place in Poland where presidents from several countries are trying to find new methods that will allow them to reach the goals imposed by the Paris agreement.
There still a chance to avoid to avoid disaster if we are able to work together in order to reach the desired result.
As our second lead editor, Anna C. Mackinno provides guidance on the stories Great Lakes Ledger reporters cover. She has been instrumental in making sure the content on the site is clear and accurate for our readers. If you see a particularly clever title, you can likely thank Anna. Anna received a BA and and MA from Fordham University.
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