Overview

The CO₂ Proxy Integration Project (CO₂PIP) aims to significantly advance our understanding of historical atmospheric CO₂ levels throughout Earth's history, specifically during the Phanerozoic era. By leveraging various proxies and statistical methodologies, this project will create a comprehensive and reliable multi-proxy record of atmospheric CO₂ concentrations.

Drawing upon the groundwork laid by the PI team's prior research, CO₂PIP will develop refined models that accurately represent the relationship between CO₂ levels and proxy signals, focusing on four widely-utilized proxies (pedogenic carbonate, boron, phytoplankton, and leaf proxies). Through collaboration with the scientific community, particularly in modernizing existing CO₂ proxy records such as paleosol- and fossil leaf-based data, we will establish a standardized repository adhering to FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles, ensuring accessibility and interoperability.

The heart of the project lies in the integration of these enhanced proxy models with updated datasets, employing sophisticated inversion analysis techniques to generate quantitative reconstructions of past CO₂ levels. These reconstructions will provide invaluable insights into Earth's climate dynamics and will be made readily available to both the scientific community and the public through dedicated digital platforms.

CO₂PIP offers various avenues for participation, ensuring that diverse perspectives contribute to project outcomes and the development of community-endorsed products. Through these efforts, CO₂PIP aims to shed light on crucial aspects of Earth's history while fostering collaboration and accessibility within the scientific community and beyond.

Project Goals

• Develop quantified representations (forward proxy system models) of CO₂ signals in commonly used proxies.
• Establish a standardized paleo-CO₂ proxy data repository meeting FAIR data standards.
• Integrate new proxy models with vetted and modernized proxy data to produce quantitative CO₂ reconstructions.
• Create digital infrastructure for presenting and archiving CO₂ compilation and project outputs, ensuring accessibility.
• Develop and disseminate 2D and 3D augmented reality tools that permit users to experience regional CO₂-climate connections and uncertainties, enhancing public engagement and understanding.
• Engage and mentor early career scientists, students, and STEM Futures Fellows to foster collaboration and broader dissemination.
• Develop teaching modules and resources that utilize authentic CO₂ proxy data, fostering scientific literacy and engagement among students at all levels.