Since the early 1980s, scientists have known that erosion and weathering of rock can remove CO2 from the atmosphere. But recent studies reveal a twist: erosion also emits CO2 by oxidizing organic carbon in eroding sediments.

A new study in Nature Communications examines this paradox using the geological past, specifically an episode of global warming that occurred 183 million years ago during the Jurassic period. Researchers led by Madeleine Stow from the University of Oxford found that organic carbon weathering amplified climate warming back then, hinting at a similar process today.

The study focuses on the Toarcian Ocean Anoxic Event, triggered by massive volcanic eruptions in South Africa and Antarctica. This event saw global temperatures rise by 6° to 7°C, reshaping land and marine life. The research suggests that understanding these ancient climate shifts could help predict future changes.

The findings underscore the complex interplay between geological processes and Earth’s climate. However, whether this past serves as a direct analogy for current human-induced climate change remains uncertain.