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Rising CO2 May Trigger Ice Age, Experts Warn

10/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Recent research suggests rising carbon dioxide (CO2) could trigger a second 'thermostat' tied to the phosphorus cycle.
This mechanism, together with the established silicate weathering feedback, could hasten the return to background CO2 levels.
The findings were published in the journal Science and indicate the next ice age could stay on schedule rather than be delayed.
But experts caution the systems could overreact, causing extreme cooling and future ice ages.

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Story summary

Recent research suggests rising carbon dioxide (CO2) could trigger a second 'thermostat' tied to the phosphorus cycle.
This mechanism, together with the established silicate weathering feedback, could hasten the return to background CO2 levels.
The findings were published in the journal Science and indicate the next ice age could stay on schedule rather than be delayed.
But experts caution the systems could overreact, causing extreme cooling and future ice ages.