Volcanic eruptions 252 million years ago caused mass extinction

A new study reveals that volcanic eruptions 252 million years ago caused a significant rise in Earth's temperatures and led to the mass extinction known as the Great Dying. Researchers found that global temperatures increased by 18 degrees Fahrenheit due to massive carbon dioxide emissions. The study analyzed plant fossils and climate models to show how ecosystems changed during this period. Tropical biomes replaced deserts, and tundra ecosystems disappeared as temperatures rose. This shift highlights potential irreversible changes in climate due to high carbon dioxide levels. Researchers warn that if current carbon emissions continue, we could reach levels similar to those during the Great Dying in about 2,700 years, much faster than the original event. More research is needed to confirm these findings.