Palaeoclimatology

Palaeoclimatology is the branch of science concerned with the study of climate conditions during different periods in the Earth's history, using data from sources such as fossils and sediments. By giving us an understanding of the Earth's climatic history, palaeoclimatology helps us to comprehend the current climate, the trends of natural climate change, and the impacts of human-caused climate change. Palaeoclimatology also helps us to better assess the risks that climate change poses to human society, and to develop strategies to cope with those risks. It is an important tool in climate change research and adaptation, and in understanding our environment and the conditions which created it.