The environmental impact of an extreme event: the Toba mega-eruption, volcanic winter and the near demise of humans. There is widespread concern among scientists, farmers and policy makers over the possible environmental, economic and social impacts of global warming. Certain greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide contribute to such warming, but other gases and dust particles, especially those from volcanic eruptions, may trigger global cooling. This project will evaluate the impact of a major ....The environmental impact of an extreme event: the Toba mega-eruption, volcanic winter and the near demise of humans. There is widespread concern among scientists, farmers and policy makers over the possible environmental, economic and social impacts of global warming. Certain greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide contribute to such warming, but other gases and dust particles, especially those from volcanic eruptions, may trigger global cooling. This project will evaluate the impact of a major prehistoric eruption on global climate and regional plant, animal and human communities. We know that future eruptions will occur, so it is important to clarify the climatic and other effects of past eruptions. The project will also enhance our understanding of prehistoric cultural changes and extinctions.Read moreRead less