The Great Dying, a mass extinction event that occurred 250 million years ago, serves as a stark warning for our current climate crisis. This event, marked by a series of volcanic eruptions, triggered global climate change, ultimately wiping out 96% of marine species. The author argues that understanding this event can help us grasp the impacts of climate change in our era. However, the urgency of the current climate predicament often remains beyond our conceptual grasp, as it is not as immediately apparent as mass panic. The author emphasizes that climate change is not just about "if" but "when," and that the current levels of greenhouse gas buildup will lead to catastrophic consequences if we don't achieve net-zero emissions. The Permian extinction provides a crucial context for understanding the present risks and probabilities of catastrophic climate heating. The author highlights the speed at which our current extinction event is transpiring, noting that the CO2 atmospheric concentrations have jumped by 5 PPM in the past year. This rapid increase in CO2 levels, combined with other factors such as toxic substances and the rise of fascism, poses a significant threat to our planet and its inhabitants. The author concludes by emphasizing the need for mass awareness of geological history and the urgency of taking action to prevent further damage to our planet.
