Volcanic eruptions triggered global warming 56m years ago, study reveals

Scientists say one of the most rapid periods of warming in Earth's history was due to gradual release of CO2, warning current levels of emissions were even higher

A dramatic period of global warming 56 million years ago that saw temperatures climb by up to five degrees and triggered extinctions of marine organisms was down to volcanic eruptions, researchers have revealed, in a study they say offers insights into the scale and possible impact of global warming today.

One of the most rapid periods of warming in Earth's history, the Palaeocene/Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), occurred as Greenland pulled away from Europe.