Late Pliocene CO2 levels and climate variability: Implications for future climate projections
Original framing: “Ice core reveals low CO2 during warm spell 3 million years ago” — New Scientist
The original framing omits the historical context of climate variability during the late Pliocene, the role of ocean currents and terrestrial processes in shaping climate patterns, and the perspectives of indigenous communities who have traditionally lived in harmony with climate variability. Additionally, the narrative fails to acknowledge the structural causes of climate change, such as fossil fuel extraction and consumption, and the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities.
Low structural omission detected in mainstream coverage.
The narrative was produced by New Scientist, a reputable science publication, for a general audience interested in climate science. The framing serves to highlight the significance of the discovery and its potential implications for climate policy, while obscuring the broader structural and historical contexts that shape our understanding of climate change.
The late Pliocene data provides a valuable opportunity to re-evaluate the historical context of climate variability and the role of ocean currents and terrestrial processes in shaping climate patterns. By examining the long-term trends and patterns of climate change, we can develop a more nuanced understanding of the complex interactions between atmospheric gases, oceans, and land surfaces.
The discovery of low CO2 levels during a warm spell 3 million years ago challenges the conventional narrative of CO2 as the primary driver of climate change.