‘A thunderous warning message’: Climate change drove our ancient human ancestors to extinction, study finds

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Our findings show that despite technological innovations including the use of fire and refined stone tools, the formation of complex social networks, and - in the case of Neanderthals - even the production of glued spear points, fitted clothes, and a good amount of cultural and genetic exchange with Homo sapiens, past Homo species could not survive intense climate change," said Pasquale Raia of the University of Naples Federico II, in Italy. The scientists said the study offers “robust evidence” that three human species, Homo erectus, Homo heidelbergensis, and Homo neanderthalensis, lost a significant portion of their climatic niche just before going extinct. “It is worrisome to discover that our ancestors, which were no less impressive in terms of mental power as compared to any other species on Earth, could not resist climate change,” he said. Climate change made Homo vulnerable and hapless in the past, and this may just be happening again.” The research is published in the journal Cell Press.