Climate Change and Ancient Ferns

The Arctic Ocean once experienced a much warmer climate, with temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, leading scientists to explore what caused this drastic change over time. Evidence found in Arctic mud layers revealed fossilized mats of azola ferns, which might have played a crucial role in consuming vast amounts of carbon dioxide. These fast-growing ferns thrived in freshwater conditions and, as they died, their decomposition was inhibited in saltier environments, effectively sequestering carbon and contributing to a cooling climate. This ancient lesson suggests that enhancing photosynthesis in modern plants could provide a crucial tool in combating climate change.