Chapter 1: A Familiar Catastrophe

Every day, I browse the internet seeking news that might dissuade readers from holding onto hope, prompting them instead to indulge in distractions like watching dash-cam videos from Russia. Today's discovery aligns perfectly with that sentiment.

Approximately 252 million years ago, a catastrophic event unfolded. Over a span of about thirty thousand years—a mere blip in geological time—around 96% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial life faced extinction.

Recent findings from two independent studies suggest that our planet is experiencing a similar crisis, but at an accelerated pace.

The first study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, utilized ice core samples to confirm long-held suspicions: the End-Permian Extinction (EPE), often dubbed “the Great Dying,” was largely triggered by volcanic eruptions that released vast amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, raising global temperatures and acidifying the oceans.

Does this sound familiar? It mirrors what humanity is currently doing.

The consequences were dire: “the massive influx of greenhouse gases may have nudged the Earth system past a critical tipping point, leading to extreme changes in ocean pH and temperature, resulting in irreversible mass extinction.”

This was devastating news for any trilobite nestled in the sandy depths of a Permian ocean, and it spells trouble today for humans who remain blissfully unaware of their precarious position atop a crumbling food chain.

Why is this alarming? Although the current levels of CO2 in the atmosphere are not yet as high as they were during the peak of the EPE, our annual CO2 emissions today are roughly double that which transformed the planet into a vast graveyard.

We are left wondering when we might reach the irreversible tipping point that could lead to widespread extinction—or whether we have already crossed it.

The second study, published in the journal Nature, took a less dramatic yet equally grim approach. Researchers discovered that algal and bacterial blooms, exacerbated by warming temperatures and deforestation, were prevalent during the EPE. These blooms deplete oxygen levels in water, leading to mass mortality of aquatic life, leaving some marine environments lifeless for millions of years.

In recent times, these blooms have surged due to rising ocean temperatures and nutrient runoff from fertilizers and wildfire debris.

The alarming aspect is that, despite their seemingly innocuous name, these blooms signal severe ecological distress—a warning that, like many others, we are largely overlooking. The researchers emphasize that their findings “offer a troubling outlook for the long-term ramifications of ongoing warming and deforestation.”

At this juncture, I would typically conclude with some preachy advice about eco-friendly choices or sustainable living. However, I have dash-cam videos to enjoy. Wishing everyone a great day!

Chapter 2: Further Insights into Our Climate Crisis

More Climate Updates:

• Alarming New Climate Report: What COVID-19 Reveals About Our Response

The world reacts to real-time disasters with shock, denial, and indifference.