# Paleoclimatological studies of carbon and climate > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/paleoclimatological-studies-of-carbon-and-climate > Updated: 2026-08-22T05:25:41.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 4. Scientific research into Earth’s geological history continues to examine the relationship between carbon cycles and climate shifts. Studies of the Carboniferous period indicate that a massive natural decarbonisation event occurred as plant material was buried, though temperature changes were influenced by factors beyond CO2 levels. Further research into the Permian-Triassic mass extinction links volcanic eruptions and greenhouse gas releases to rising ocean temperatures and reduced dissolved oxygen, which disproportionately affected marine species. Complementary findings regarding the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) suggest that rapid increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide can lead to forest canopy collapse. By analyzing fossilized leaf fragments, researchers determined that approximately 60% of standing vegetation biomass was lost during this period as temperatures rose and rainfall declined. Recent geological research has identified a potential ‘hidden climate thermostat’ that operated via shallow seas for approximately 60 million years. According to a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, rising sea levels flooded continental shelves and trapped phosphate, which reduced marine productivity and weakened organic carbon burial, thereby allowing atmospheric CO2 to rise. Conversely, falling sea levels released phosphate, boosting marine life and carbon burial. Newer reconstructions of PETM forest canopies using fossilized leaf cells indicate that landscapes became ‘significantly browner’ due to shifting plant species and reduced rainfall. Research published in Science using fossils from Wyoming’s Hanna Basin shows that while CO2 can sometimes promote growth, the heat stress and drought during the PETM caused forest canopies to lose roughly 60% of their density. Researchers emphasize that the current rate of human-driven carbon emissions is approximately 10 times faster than the natural processes that drove the PETM. While global vegetation showed a greening trend since 1982, about 90% of those areas have seen a reversal since 2000 due to intensifying heat and drought. ## Claims - During the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), forest canopies in Wyoming lost approximately 60% of their density. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Humanity is currently releasing carbon dioxide roughly 10 times faster than natural processes did during the PETM. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Forests took over 100,000 years to recover from the climate shock of the PETM. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Heat stress and drought can override the growth-promoting effects of increased carbon dioxide on plants. (single source) - Around the year 2000, approximately 90% of global vegetation areas showed a reversal in the greening trend caused by CO2. (single source) - Forest aboveground biomass carbon storage could decrease by up to 20% by the year 2100 if current trends continue. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-22: Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum study links warming to forest degradation A study in Science shows that during the PETM 56 million years ago, forest canopies lost 60% density due to heat and drought, a process occurring 10 times faster under modern human-driven warming. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paleocene-eocene-thermal-maximum-study-links-warming-to-forest-degradation ### 2026-08-18: Geological studies reveal ancient climate feedback mechanisms and forest responses to carbon spikes Geological studies of the Cenozoic era and the PETM reveal how ancient carbon cycles and forest ecosystems responded to massive CO2 increases and sea-level changes. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/geological-studies-reveal-ancient-climate-feedback-mechanisms-and-forest-responses-to-carbon-spikes ### 2026-08-13: Paleobotanical study shows carbon spikes cause forest collapse Research on the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum shows that massive carbon dioxide releases can cause forest canopy collapse and significant biomass loss rather than planetary greening. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paleobotanical-study-shows-carbon-spikes-cause-forest-collapse ### 2026-07-30: Carboniferous Era and Permian‑Triassic Extinction Reveal Past Climate Shifts Ancient Carboniferous carbon removal and the Permian‑Triassic extinction show how past CO₂ shifts and warming affected climate and marine life, offering insights for today’s climate challenges. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/carboniferous-era-and-permiantriassic-extinction-reveal-past-climate-shifts --- Cite as: Paleoclimatological studies of carbon and climate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/paleoclimatological-studies-of-carbon-and-climate