Paleoclimatology

Paleoclimatology is the study of climate change over long-term geological timescales. It seeks to understand the natural causes and effects of climate variation over millions of years, and to explore the relationship between climate and human activities. The data derived from paleoclimate studies is used to inform current climatic and weather forecasts, to understand the effects of climate change, and to help plan for future environmental policy decisions. By studying the history and extent of past climate change, paleoclimatologists are able to better understand the drivers of recent and potential future climate change and develop strategies to mitigate its impacts.