The Pliocene, 3 million years ago, was the last time atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations were above 400 parts per million.
, published today, shows that up to one third of Antarctica's ice sheet melted during this period, causing sea levels to rise by as much as 20 metres above present levels in coming centuries.
We were able to measure past changes in sea level by drilling cores at a site in New Zealand, known as the Whanganui Basin, which contains shallow marine sediments of arguably the highest resolution in the world. Using a new method we developed to predict the water level from the size of sand particles moved by waves, we constructed a record of global sea-level change with significantly more precision than previously possible.
The Pliocene was the last time atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations were above 400 parts per million and Earth's temperature was 2 degrees Celsius warmer than pre-industrial times. We show that warming of more than 2 degrees Celsius could set off widespread melting in Antarctica once again—and our planet could be hurtling back to the future, towards a climate that existed three million years ago.
With today's emissions levels, that remaining CO2 budget [1.5 degrees Celsius] will be entirely gone in less than eight-and-a-half years.and we will have exceeded the 2 degree Celsius Paris target. One of the most critical questions facing humanity is how much and how fast global sea levels will rise.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Soaring eagle films crumbling Alpine glaciers as Earth warmsEAGLE EYES: A conservation group has released stunning aerial footage from a camera attached to an eagle named Victor, providing a bird’s-eye view of several crumbling European glaciers in what they hope will serve as a climate change wake-up call.
Read more »
What created this 'ghost particle' from space found on Earth?Last summer, scientists found a 'ghost particle' called a neutrino in Antarctica. It traveled 3.8 billion light-years from a distant galaxy to reach Earth.
Read more »
Aliens may have bugged space rocks to spy on Earth, scientist saysA new proposal suggests scouring so-called co-orbitals for advanced alien technology used to eavesdrop on our planet.
Read more »
Hurricane Lorenzo Is Too Strong For Where It Is - Let’s Deal With The Climate Change QuestionA hype-free '101' on Hurricane Lorenzo, how unusual it is and climate change.
Read more »
The Blizzard In The Rockies Doesn’t Disprove Climate Change But People Will Say It AnyhowWhy the current snowstorm in the Rockies does not refute climate change.
Read more »
Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott Have Reportedly Split for NowThe two are said to be open to getting back together in the future.
Read more »