The "Great Dying": A Profound Historical Lesson for a Warming World

Are We Nearing the “point of return” when it comes to global warming and climate change? Lessons from Earth's "Great Dying"

As a scientist deeply committed to understanding our planet's past and securing its future, I often reflect on the profound lessons etched in Earth's geological record. One of the most chilling is the concept of a "point of no return," a threshold beyond which runaway climate change unleashes devastating consequences. Have we, as a species, been here before? Absolutely. And the echoes of those ancient catastrophes serve as a stark warning for our present.

Imagine a world in which vast swaths of marine and terrestrial life perish, ecosystems crumble, and oceans become corrosive. This phenomenon wasn't a distant fantasy, but was the reality of the Earth's mass extinction, a period of unprecedented biological collapse.

Today, as we grapple with the accelerating pace of fossil fuel combustion, the relentless destruction of our vital tropical forests, and the sluggishness of restoration efforts, the specter of a sixth mass extinction looms large. We are, undeniably, pumping planet-heating pollutants into our atmosphere at an alarming rate, propelling us closer to that perilous edge.

A recent CNN article, highlighting groundbreaking research published in Nature Communications, offers a chilling glimpse into what our future might hold. This study delves into one of Earth's most profound mysteries: why, approximately 252 million years ago, our planet became lethally hot and remained so for a staggering five million years. This epoch, known as the "Great Dying," witnessed the most catastrophic blow to life on Earth, wiping out an astonishing 90% of all species.

The implications of this research are profound. It's not just a historical curiosity; it's a terrifying projection. The scientists' findings reveal a crucial feedback loop: rapid global warming can trigger the collapse of Earth's rainforests, amplifying the heating effect and pushing the planet into an even more extreme state. This extreme, in turn, can lead to widespread ecosystem collapse and unimaginable loss of biodiversity.

Is such a catastrophic event possible again? The scientific evidence strongly suggests it is. The "Great Dying" wasn't just a random act of nature; it was driven by massive carbon releases, much like what we're witnessing today, albeit at a different scale and from other sources.

My article is not about fearmongering; it's about fostering scientific literacy and inspiring action. Understanding these ancient Earth systems, which involve the intricate balance between our atmosphere, oceans, and life on Earth, is crucial for the survival of all species on Earth. It underscores the urgency of transitioning to sustainable energy, protecting our remaining wild spaces, and investing in robust restoration initiatives.

Importantly, it is imperative for our students, our communities, and the very survival of our planet that we understand scientific principles, including the relationship between Greenhouse gases and Climate Change. We must also empower the next generation to innovate solutions to some of these challenges and avert catastrophic global warming of the past. The lessons from the "Great Dying" are clear: we have the power to change our trajectory, but the time for decisive action is now.

As we look to the future,

1. How can fostering curiosity and critical thinking through STEAM education equip the next generation with the tools and innovation needed to address this global challenge?

   
   

2. The 'Great Dying' serves as a profound historical warning. What part of this research, or our current environmental trajectory, concerns you the most, and why? It's a question we all need to ponder as we navigate the challenges of climate change.

   
   

3. Given the current scientific insights into Earth's resilience and vulnerability, what specific areas of scientific innovation or global cooperation give you the most hope for mitigating the impact of climate change?

   
   

4. Considering the lessons from Earth's past, what do you believe is the single most important action we can take, individually or collectively, to prevent a similar catastrophe for our future?

Please share your thoughts below!

Link to CNN post, “The ‘Great Dying’ wiped out 90% of life; then came 5 million years of lethal heat. New fossils explain why.”: https://share.newsbreak.com/dusodyl7

Reference:

1. Paddison, L. (2025, July 2). The ‘Great Dying’ wiped out 90% of life, then came 5 million years of lethal heat. New fossils explain why. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/02/climate/great-dying-extinction-tipping-point-tropical-forests

"History doesn’t just repeat—it teaches." “Choose STEAM Careers: Shape the Future, Design Your Destiny!” ~ Dr. Ayo Olufade, PhD

Excel in STEAM Learning. Excel in Life.

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