To this day, it is believed that excessive deforestation has led to high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, contributing to global greenhouse effects. However, recent findings by Chinese and American scientists suggest that the greenhouse effect may have started around 5,000 years ago!
This conclusion was reached by American and Chinese researchers based on the study of artifacts excavated from Neolithic ruins in Rizhao, Shandong Province, China, over the past decade.
They collected wood samples from this area, examining 21 wet wood samples and 3 charcoal samples. Archaeologists discovered that the wood excavated from this site was primarily used for burning or construction activities.
“Prehistoric people likely burned wood for cooking, lighting, smelting tin, building houses…,” said Kuan Fengshi from Shandong University and a member of the excavation team. Kuan and the research team also inferred that prehistoric people utilized trees for various other purposes, such as medicine, making household items and tools, and raising animals. However, these cultivated types of trees are difficult to preserve and locate.
According to the researchers, prehistoric people began to harvest wood for various needs, which significantly increased carbon dioxide levels even before the industrial era!
T.VY (According to Xinhua)
