Plants failed to absorb carbon 56 million years ago — Are we near a repeat?

Ancient Carbon Collapse: Could Modern Plants Face the Same Fate? (Representative Image: Canva)

Global warming feels faster each year now. Many ask how plants cope today. Scientists warn that current change moves quickly. They fear plants cannot match rising heat. A new study offers clues from the past.

How do plants regulate climate change today?

Plants pull carbon from air during photosynthesis. They store carbon in leaves, wood and roots. This process supports the global carbon cycle. It also slows rapid warming across many regions. But strong climate shifts weaken plant functions fast. A study in Nature Communications explains this risk. It links ancient warming with today’s rapid crisis.

What happened to plants during the PETM event?

The PETM caused sharp warming 56 million years ago. Global temperatures rose about 6°C very quickly. Carbon increased fast across many ecosystems worldwide. Researchers analysed fossil pollen and plant traits. They rebuilt ancient vegetation across multiple regions. Mid-latitude areas saw smaller drought-tolerant species dominate. Palms and ferns survived heat but stored less carbon. Arctic regions gained biomass under warm conditions. Yet global carbon storage still dropped for long periods. Ecosystems needed about 100,000 years to recover well.

Palm pollen from 56 million years ago found in the Bighorn Basin. (Image: ©Vera Korasidis)

Why did plants adapt slowly during such rapid warming?

Plant migration and evolution lagged behind fast heating. Species failed to change traits at needed rates. Small hardy palms and ferns endured harsh climates. But they captured far less carbon than larger species. Slow adaptation weakened the global carbon cycle then. Researchers say this delay prolonged ancient warming significantly. The response pattern links closely with today’s climate challenges.

What risks do modern plants face today?

Today’s warming moves 10 times faster than the PETM. Human activity drives this extreme pace worldwide. Many plants already struggle with rising temperatures. Their slow adjustment threatens carbon storage abilities. Scientists warn that failure here may worsen warming. They fear long disruptions to the global carbon cycle soon. The study highlights the urgent need for stronger action.