56 million years ago, the Earth was already warm, with vast coniferous forests storing a lot of carbon. But here's where it gets controversial: a rapid increase in CO2 levels, possibly due to methane emissions and volcanic activity, led to a five-degree temperature rise in a short period. This triggered a chain reaction of events, including the disappearance of conifer-dominated vegetation, an increase in forest fires, and erosion that washed entire land sections into the sea. The disruption amplified the warming, and the carbon released into the atmosphere further exacerbated global warming. This milestone study, led by biologist Mei Nelissen, reveals that terrestrial ecosystems can respond quickly and dramatically to climate change. It also highlights the importance of understanding the consequences of carbon cycle disruption and rapid warming, as we may be heading towards a similar fate if today's warming continues. And this is the part most people miss: the rate of CO2 increase during the PETM is closest to the increase caused by human emissions, making it a crucial period for understanding our current climate crisis.
