Scientists Map 540 Million Years of Climate Change and Sea Level Swings

Two groundbreaking studies have just given scientists the clearest picture yet of Earth’s climate and sea levels over the last 540 million years. According to Forbes contributor David Bressan, researchers from the University of Arizona and the University of Bristol created a detailed global temperature curve based on over 150,000 climate data points and 850 simulations. Their findings confirm what climate scientists and environmentalists have long warned: Earth’s temperature is closely tied to carbon dioxide levels.

Throughout the Phanerozoic Eon, which began around 538 million years ago, temperatures ranged from as low as 11°C to highs above 36°C. The hottest periods, like the infamous “Cretaceous Hothouse,” were consistently linked to elevated CO₂ levels. Sound familiar? That’s because it’s happening again — right now, thanks to our fossil fuel addiction.

Another team, led by Dr. Douwe van der Meer at Utrecht University, analyzed sediment patterns and fossil data to track how sea levels responded to tectonic shifts and ice cap changes. During warm periods like the Cretaceous, melting ice and reshaped ocean basins pushed sea levels over 200 meters higher than today. Conversely, during glacial times like those of the last 2 million years, sea levels dropped as much as 100 meters.

This isn’t just about ancient history. These reconstructions are crucial for understanding what’s coming. “High or low sea levels, it’s all happened before,” says van der Meer — but this time, it’s happening faster and because of us.

If we want to avoid repeating the worst of Earth’s past, we need to act now. Go plant-based, ditch the fossil fuels, demand real climate policy, and Support climate science. Our planet’s been through a lot, but humans have never pushed it this hard. It’s time to change that — before we flood our own future.

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