A study of ancient Antarctic ice has found fossil fuel emissions may be having a greater effect on climate change than previously thought.

Scientists were able to study air nearly 12,000 years old in ice cores harvested from Taylor Glacier in Antarctica. The ice trapped tiny bubbles of air, like frozen time capsules.

It’s an opportunity to glimpse into the past – a glimpse which has surprised scientists.

• Antarctica’s past key to our future

Methane levels in the past were much lower than expected – meaning it’s likely fossil fuels have had a much larger impact on current levels than previously thought.

NIWA atmospheric scientist Dr Hinrich Schaefer, one of the researchers, told Newshub it’s a significant discovery.

“The most recent increase is most likely caused by agricultural practices, but the historical impact on greenhouse gases is much larger from fossil fuels than we’ve previously assumed,”…