Scientists studying centuries-old sponges in the Caribbean have uncovered evidence suggesting that global warming since the industrial age has been more severe than previously thought. By analyzing the chemical composition of the sponges’ skeletons, researchers estimate that human activity has raised global temperatures by about 1.7 degrees Celsius, compared to the commonly accepted figure of 1.2 degrees Celsius. This finding implies that the onset of dangerous climate change may have occurred earlier than previously believed. Despite the significance of this discovery, some experts caution against discarding existing temperature estimates based on 19th-century records, citing the need for further data from various locations to confirm global trends. Nonetheless, the study underscores the urgency of addressing climate change and the challenges of meeting the temperature targets set by the Paris Agreement.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/05/climate/global-warming-sponges.html