UNM Researcher Linked Climate States to Extinctions
A new study reveals a historical pattern between Earth's climate states and five major mass extinction events.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Environmental
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University of New Mexico scientist Cori Myers has published new research examining the link between global climate states and biodiversity loss. The study analyzed data from the past half-a-billion years to identify correlations between environmental transitions and major extinction events.
Why it matters
Understanding how Earth transitioned between climate states in the past provides critical context for modern biodiversity loss. While Earth is currently in a state of low climate vulnerability, the research highlights how human activity is actively driving species extinction.
The study incorporated fossil records, carbon levels, and temperature data across a timeframe of half-a-billion years. Researchers mapped these variables against five distinct climate states and five documented mass extinction events.
The players
Cori Myers
Cori Myers is a scientist at the University of New Mexico who specializes in paleoclimatology and mass extinction research.
Geological Society of America
The Geological Society of America is a nonprofit professional organization dedicated to the geosciences and the advancement of geological research.
The details
The research analyzed how Earth transitioned between climate states throughout history to uncover a distinct pattern linking these shifts to mass extinctions. By correlating carbon levels and temperature data with the fossil record, the study provides a clearer picture of historical biodiversity vulnerability.
Timeline
The study analyzed environmental data from the past half-a-billion years.
Cori Myers is scheduled to present the research in October 2026.
The Big Picture
This research significantly shifts the scientific understanding of the Big Five mass extinction events by establishing a quantifiable link to global climate states. It provides a new theoretical framework that bridges paleoclimatology with modern conservation science.
This study clarifies the environmental risks currently faced by global biodiversity due to human-induced climate changes. By identifying historical vulnerability patterns, the findings may help scientists better project which modern species are most at risk during the current climate transition.
The takeaway
Historical data suggests that climate stability is a key indicator for the long-term survival of diverse species. Recognizing the patterns that led to past extinction events provides a necessary warning for managing current ecological pressures.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing research in this field, visit our Environmental section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KRQE 13.
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