Earth’s climate has changed dramatically over the past 100,000 years, shaping ecosystems, civilizations, and the course of human history. From the peak of the last Ice Age to today’s record-breaking heat and rising CO₂ levels, our planet has experienced powerful shifts driven by both natural forces and human activity. This timeline explores key climate events – glacial periods, volcanic winters, industrial warming, and future predictions like Arctic ice loss and geoengineering – offering critical insight into how Earth’s climate evolved and what may lie ahead.
Watch the video below for a quick visual summary.
The timeline below outlines major climate milestones from 100,000 BC to 2100. It highlights natural climate fluctuations, major volcanic events, industrial-era impacts, and projected future scenarios – including tipping points, technological interventions, and global climate challenges that will shape the future of our planet.
Earth is in a major glacial period, with massive ice sheets covering continents.
Intermittent warming and cooling cycles affect sea levels and ecosystems.
Some glaciers begin to melt, opening new migration routes for humans and animals.
Glaciers advance again in cycles, reshaping landscapes and ecosystems.
Ice sheets cover nearly 30% of Earth’s surface; sea levels drop by ~120 meters.
Rapid global warming melts glaciers and raises sea levels dramatically.
Melting ice disrupts ocean currents, triggering a sudden cold reversal.
Earth enters a stable warm phase, enabling agriculture and human civilizations to thrive.
North Africa transitions from lush grasslands to arid desert due to climate shifts.
Climate change impacts civilizations like Harappa and Mesopotamia through extended droughts.
A massive eruption, likely Krakatoa, causes global cooling and widespread famine.
Unusual warming in the North Atlantic supports Viking expansion into Greenland.
Warmer climates allow for expanded agriculture and prosperity in Europe.
One of the largest eruptions in 7,000 years causes dramatic global cooling.
Global temperatures fall, leading to poor harvests and colder winters.
Harsh winters across Europe and North America lead to widespread hardship.
Volcanic gases cool the climate and trigger deadly famines across Europe.
Triggers the “Year Without a Summer” in 1816 due to ash and sulfur aerosols.
Temperatures begin to rise, influenced by early industrial emissions.
Systematic tracking of global temperatures begins.
Svante Arrhenius calculates CO₂’s role in warming the Earth.
Widespread melting of glaciers marks early signs of climate change.
Severe drought and dust storms devastate American agriculture.
CO₂ emissions and global consumption spike due to industrialization.
First long-term measurement of atmospheric CO₂ begins at Mauna Loa.
Scientists project global warming trends caused by human emissions.
The UN forms a scientific body to assess climate change risks.
Sulfur dioxide cools the climate temporarily by reflecting sunlight.
First major international agreement to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
Global deal to limit warming to under 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
Global temperatures hit 1.1°C above pre-industrial baseline.
Record temperatures and climate extremes driven by El Niño and emissions.
Global temperatures exceed the critical 1.5°C threshold.
First recorded summer without sea ice in the Arctic Ocean.
Millions are displaced due to sea level rise and uninhabitable regions.
Solar radiation management is tested to reflect sunlight and cool Earth.
Climate-induced habitat loss leads to rapid decline in biodiversity.
Prolonged dry spells severely impact global food production and water supply.
Carbon capture and storage technologies are scaled up worldwide.
The fate of Earth’s climate now depends on humanity’s decisions today.
The climate of Earth is anything but static – it has seen extreme ice ages, warm periods that birthed civilizations, and modern industrial-driven warming. The timeline shows how climate change has always been a powerful force, but today’s shifts are faster and more dangerous due to human influence. As we approach critical thresholds, the future hinges on how effectively we reduce emissions, protect ecosystems, and possibly deploy technologies like carbon capture and geoengineering. Understanding the past is key to navigating the future, and the evolution of Earth’s climate offers both a warning and a path forward for generations to come.
Disclaimer: This timeline is based on paleoclimatology studies, ice core data, historical records, peer-reviewed scientific research, and reports from agencies like the IPCC. Future projections (2030–2100) are based on climate models, emissions scenarios, and expert forecasts. These predictions are subject to change with new data and technological developments.