How do paleoclimate data, such as ice cores and sediment records, contribute to our understanding of past climate changes and inform future climate projections?

Paleoclimate data provide insights into historical climate variability, atmospheric composition, and natural climate drivers over millennia. Ice cores, sediment records, and tree rings offer evidence of past temperature, CO2 levels, and volcanic activity, helping validate climate models and refine future projections. This historical context is essential for understanding the range and causes of natural climate variability and assessing the impact of anthropogenic influences.