Society for Science & the Public, which publishes Science News, uses cookies to personalize your experience and improve our services. For more information on how we use cookies on our websites, visit our Cookie Policy.
Feature Earth

What the Pliocene epoch can teach us about future warming on Earth

About 3 million years ago, carbon dioxide levels were similar to today’s. What other changes might we expect?

illustration of life in the Pliocene

BLAST FROM THE PAST  Three million years ago, Earth’s climate was so warm that the High Arctic supported forests (illustrated) in which camels and other animals roamed.

Julius T. Csotonyi

By Alexandra Witze

This article is only available to Science News subscribers.

Subscribers, enter your e-mail address to access our archives.

Not a subscriber?

Science News is a nonprofit.

Support us by subscribing now.

More Stories from Science News on Earth

  1. Acropora corals in New Caledonia
    Life

    Neon colors may help some corals stage a comeback from bleaching

    By Carolyn Wilke
  2. meteorite in Antarctica
    Planetary Science

    Meteorites might be more likely to strike near the equator

    By Shannon Hall
  3. Super-typhoon Mangkhut
    Climate

    How more powerful Pacific cyclones may be fueling global warming

    By Carolyn Gramling
  4. people at a well in Misiones, Argentina
    Earth

    Up to 220 million people globally may be at risk of arsenic-contaminated water

    By Carolyn Gramling
  5. aerial photo of a freeway in Los Angeles
    Climate

    Daily global CO2 emissions dropped dramatically as COVID-19 kept people home

    By Carolyn Gramling
  6. covers of six books about climate change
    Climate

    These 6 books explore climate change science and solutions

    By Science News Staff
  7. Mauna Kea volcano
    Earth

    Long-dormant volcano Mauna Kea has been quietly grumbling for decades

    By Carolyn Gramling
  8. illustration of an eco-friendly neighborhood
    Climate

    What lifestyle changes will shrink your carbon footprint the most?

    By Christie Aschwanden

From the Nature Index

Paid Content