Scientists Identify Missing Link in Earth's Carbon Cycle—Could Global Warming Trigger the Next Ice Age? By Fasi Uddin , 26 September 2025 In a breakthrough discovery that could reshape how we climate change, researchers at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) have uncovered a missing factor in Earth's carbon cycle models . Their study suggests that the same warming crisis gripping the planet today might eventually tip the climate into a new ice age , underscoring the delicate balance between human-driven carbon emissions and natural planetary processes. How Rock Weathering Became Earth's Natural Thermostat For decades, scientists believed that rock weathering acted as the planet's thermostat. Rainfall absorbs carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) from the atmosphere, trickles onto silicate-rich rocks such as granite and gradually breaks them down. The dissolved minerals then flow into rivers and oceans, where they react with calcium to form seashells and limestone reefs...
Explore the causes of climate change and their impact on our planet. Understand the factors contributing to global warming, such as greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and industrial activities. Discover the scientific research and evidence behind climate change and gain insights into the urgent need for collective action to mitigate its effects. Stay informed about the latest developments and solutions to address this critical environmental issue.