climate science

A study published in Science argues that a Mega El Niño pattern, producing extreme and prolonged climate swings, triggered the end-Permian mass extinction around 252 million years ago, the deadliest extinction event in Earth's history. The researchers say runaway warming destabilised ecosystems beyond what species could tolerate. The paper is being shared widely, with an open-access version of the full text available.

Researchers suggest a long-standing interpretation of a 2-billion-year-old geological record may be wrong, with implications for how scientists understand Earth's ancient atmosphere and early conditions. The claim is drawing attention because such clues underpin theories about the planet's oxygenation and climate history, and a misreading could require revisions to models of how Earth's environment evolved over deep time.

Saudi Aramco scientists have contributed to IPCC climate reports, the UN assessments that shape global climate policy. Reporting by the Guardian highlights how oil company researchers ended up with roles in the world's most influential climate science documents, raising questions about conflicts of interest and industry influence over the scientific consensus on fossil fuels and global warming.

The Trump administration is seeking to block the restoration of climate change and diversity-related information at US historical sites. The move targets materials previously removed or altered from exhibits and signage at federally managed locations. Critics see it as part of a broader effort to reshape how history and science are presented on public lands, while supporters argue the content was politicised.