Earth's climate swings without ice sheets linked to orbital wobbles, new study finds. Jan. 22, 2026 BEIJING - Precession cycles drive abrupt changes.

Recent research conducted by a team of scientists from China has shed light on the sudden climate fluctuations in ancient ice-free environments. The study, released on January 22, 2026, revealed that Earth's gradual axial wobbles, referred to as precession cycles, not only influence extended climate patterns but also played a significant role in the past unpredictable climate shifts. These findings are crucial as they provide valuable insights for projecting future warming scenarios. The study's outcomes offer a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind climate changes and highlight the importance of considering precession cycles in climate models moving forward.