National Fossil Day Highlights the Importance of Past Climate Change for Future Predictions

It's National Fossil Day, which means that we're taking a closer look at these ancient remnants of a time long past. Fossils don't just tell us about our history, though; they can also tell us about our future. Researchers have long used fossils when it comes to climate science, looking at past shifts in weather in order to predict what the future has in store for us.

Climate change is happening all around us. According to the IPCC, it's likely that the current warming trends seen in our climate are caused by humans. The burning of fossil fuels, in particular, is to blame for these increase temperatures. Yet in order to find out which processes are caused by humans and which might be natural, researchers must turn to fossils.

In the Smithsonian, for example, scientists look at processes that occurred millions of years ago alongside developments taking place in today's climate system. By studying climate history at geological and archaeological field sites, they can track the changing compositions of air, water and soil and then apply it to the modern day.

Yet the fossil record doesn't only provide clues to past climates; it also shows how animals, plants and ecosystems responded to changes, according to the National Park Service.  This can tell scientists how similar changes could impact the ecosystems and environment of today.

As the climate continues to change, it's important to keep the past in mind. By studying ancient fossils, researchers and scientists can better understand what might be in store for us in the future, especially as humans manipulate climate conditions across the globe.

You can learn more about National Fossil Day at the American Museum of Natural History and its website.