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Cat Deeley wows in summer florals as she joins This Morning co-star Ben Shephard, Abbey Clancy and Peter Crouch in leading the celeb tennis fans for day four of Wimbledon

This Morning stars Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard hot footed it from their ITV show over to the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club for day four of Wimbledon on Thursday.

Cat dressed for the Centre Court sunshine in a pretty floral print dress, posing with her dapper co-star after speeding through the London traffic on motorbike to make it to the tournament on time after wrapping their show.

Whilst Cat enjoyed a day out with her co-star, Abbey Clancy and Peter Crouch made it a family affair by treating their eldest daughter Sophia to a day at SW19.

Meanwhile TV adventurer and Wimbledon regular Bear Grylls took his seat in the Royal Box with his wife Shara on Centre Court.

Centre Court spectators will be watching Jack Draper compete against 2017 Wimbledon finalist Marin Cilic and Dan Evans takes on Novak Djokovic.

Draper, the current world Number four, takes on 2017 Wimbledon finalist Cilic as he looks to progress past the second round for the first time.

World number one Jannik Sinner is also back in the spotlight, up against Aleksandar Vukic, whilst Iga Swiatek plays Caty McNally in the other Centre Court match.

This Morning stars Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard have hot footed it from their ITV show over to the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club for day four of Wimbledon on Thursday

An excited Cat could barely look at the Centre Court action, at one point covering her face with her hands

The ITV star grimaced and gasped her way through the day four matches which included Jack Draper vs Marin Cilic

Abbey Clancy and Peter Crouch treated their eldest daughter Sophia, 14, to a day of tennis

Abbey and Peter shared a kiss, with daughter Sophia caught in the middle, as they took a break from watching the on court action

TV adventurer Bear Grylls took his seat in the Royal Box with his wife Shara for day four on Centre Court

Meanwhile after enjoying the hospitality suites, Jack Whitehall joined Union J star Josh Cuthbert and and his model wife Chloe Lloyd, who were also in the stands.

Chloe looked gorgeous in a white dress, flaunting her long legs in the ultra mini which she teamed in polka dot heels and a micro Chanel bag.

Singer and environmentalist Feargal Sharkey and Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden shared a laugh in the celeb-packed Royal Box, with actress Celia Imrie seen catching up with William Hague a row ahead.

Judy Murray has opened up on the secrets of the Royal Box at Wimbledon as celebrity guests continue to flood into Wimbledon.

While there are 18 Championship grass courts at SW19, all eyes are often on the historic Centre Court, which plays host to the best stars the sport has to offer as they compete for glory.

Centre Court boasts nearly 15,000 seats, meaning lucky punters can be seen cheering on their favourites, and are joined by guests in the Royal Box at around lunchtime each day.

So far this week, the likes of David Beckham, Cate Blanchett and Olivia Rodrigo have all been present.

On Tuesday Murray, renown for her coaching work in the sport and her support for tennis-playing sons Andy and Jamie, made an appearance.

Cat put on a very animated display in her VIP seat after a busy morning in front of the cameras

The TV star looked gorgeous in her pretty floral dress for her sporting afternoon

A nervous-looking Cat sat alongside Ben Shephard’s son Jack, 18

Cat dressed for the Centre Court sunshine in a pretty floral print dress teamed with lace-up sandals

Cat and Ben had a busy morning, racing across London after wrapping This Morning to get to the tournament in time

Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard attended as a guest of Emirates

Abbey, Sophia and Peter couldn’t stop their giggles as they enjoyed their family day out

Sophia topped up her lip gloss as she sat alongside her parents in the VIP seats

Peter laughed after Abbey Clancy catches him cleaning his sunglasses on her dress

The pair appeared to be having a lot of fun together

Abbey looked effortlessly chic as she arrived for the tennis in a butter yellow pinstripe skirt and cropped blazer

The couple got animated as they watched in from the stands during one of the day’s big matches

Abbey and Peter were joined by their 13-year-old daughter Sophia Ruby Crouch

Bear was seen shaking hands with a member of the armed forces as he mingled in the Royal Box before taking his seat

England footballer Anthony Gordon and Jack Whitehall sat together on Centre Court

Union J star Josh Cuthbert and and his model wife Chloe Lloyd, who were also in the stands, with Chloe wowing in a white mini dress as they sipped on Pimm’s

Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden was sat in the Royal Box, a row behind William Hague

Singer and environmentalist Feargal Sharkey also had Royal Court seats with his wife Elizabeth

Feargal Sharkey and Deborah Meaden shared a laugh, with actress Celia Imrie was seen catching up with William Hague

Celebrated actress Celia looked pretty in pink for her day in the Royal Box

Prince Michael of Kent arrived in the Royal Box prior to the Gentlemen’s Singles second round match between Daniel Evans of Great Britain and Novak Djokovic

Before her trip, she opened up on what it is like in the Royal Box on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show with The National Lottery on Virgin Radio UK.

‘Royal Boxing should be a verb, shouldn’t it?’ she said.’ It should be a summer verb.’

She added: ‘Well, you arrive usually around 11.30, so you go upstairs, they have a champagne reception, then you go in for lunch and you could be sitting beside absolutely anybody at lunch. There’s no seating plan, it’s just as you go into the room.

‘It’s in the clubhouse of the All England Club, and the first year that I went I took my mum, of course, and we sat with Jack Nicklaus.

BAFTA award winning actress Naomi Ackie looked chic in polka dots for her arrival

Singer and song writer Calum Scott, who rose to fame on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent in 2015, was also at Wimbledon as a guest of Emirates

Newcastle and England footballer Anthony Gordon was looking dapper in a cream blazer as he took in the view at Centre Court whilst EastEnders star Ben Hardy put on a smart display

Downton Abbey star Jim Carter posed with his actress daughter Bessie Carter, who stars in Bridgerton, in the Emirates suite

Jack Whitehall stopped by the AELTC’s Parkside Suite in No.1 Court before watching some play

Also in attendance for day four were David and Samantha Cameron

Samantha looked chic in a teal summer dress complete with a tiered skirt and drawstring waist

‘I sat with a few years ago a lady who was the first female Spitfire pilot. I mean it’s just you could be with absolutely anybody and the stories are fascinating.

‘It’s really tough when the sun comes round because there’s no escape.

‘It’s actually I think worse for the guys because they have to wear a jacket and tie and they’re not allowed to take the jacket off unless the royalty in the box takes their jacket off first. That’s the protocol.’

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July 3, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo, Jurgen Klopp lead tributes to Diogo Jota, brother Andre Silva

The loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva “doesn’t make any sense”, says Cristiano Ronaldo, who is among those to have paid tribute to the pair after their deaths in a car accident on Thursday.

Ronaldo and Jota were teammates for the Portugal national team.

“Doesn’t make any sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married,” Ronaldo, who captains his country, wrote on Instagram.

“To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.”

Liverpool forward Jota and Silva, who was also a professional footballer, were killed in the early hours of Thursday morning when their car came off the road in the province of Zamora, in north west Spain.

Tributes from across the football world are pouring in for both.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who signed him from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, said he was “heartbroken” by the news.

“This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it,” he said on Instagram. “I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre.

“Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! We will miss you so much! All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace — Love.”

Jota’s Liverpool teammate Darwin Nunez wrote on Instagram: “There are no words of comfort for so much pain. I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field.

“I send all my strength to his family, from where he is I’m sure he will always be with you, especially his wife and three children.”

Liverpool player Stefan Bajcetic posted a picture of him training with Jota on Instagram and wrote simply: “You will be remembered my friend.”

Former Liverpool player and manager Kenny Dalglish said: “Football is not important at this sad time. You feel helpless, knowing there’s so little we can do to ease the pain for his wife of just two weeks, his three beautiful children.”

Liverpool said they were “devastated” by the “unimaginable loss” of their forward, while heartfelt tributes were also paid by Jota’s former clubs, Wolves, Porto, Atletico Madrid, Pacos de Ferreira and Gondomar.

Pacos, where the brothers both spent time as youth players, described them as “two extraordinary people who stood out for their humility, responsibility and immense dedication to the club”.

Pacos’ statement continued: “Diogo Jota has become a reference for this club. An athlete with a champion’s attitude who has reached the highest levels of professional football.

“Since his arrival, he has been an example for the many athletes we welcome into our training camp every year and who dream of one day winning on the world’s biggest stages.”

Silva also played for Gondomar and Porto as a youth player, and was a forward for Portuguese second division side Penafiel, from the Porto District.

In a statement, Penafiel said: “The loss of two young lives linked to the world of football fills us with pain and consternation.

“At this difficult time, Futebol Clube Penafiel extends its most sincere condolences to the family, friends and all those who shared moments of life and passion for sport with André and Diogo.”

The Portuguese Football Federation said their deaths “represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football”, and added: “We will do everything we can to honour their legacy on a daily basis.”

Jota won the Premier League title with Liverpool this past season (Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images)

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said he was “deeply saddened” by the news, saying Jota had a “fantastic career” while Silva was “thriving” at Penafiel.

“They will both be so sorely missed by all those who knew them and by the worldwide football community.”

Ruben Neves, Jota’s former teammate for Wolves and Portugal, was among the first professional players to react to the news, posting on Instagram: “They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!”

Jota helped Liverpool to last season’s Premier League title and also won the FA Cup and League Cup in five seasons at Anfield.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice wrote on X: “So, so sad. Heartbreaking! RIP to Diogo and his brother Andre. Sending love and condolences to his family.”

Mikel Merino, also of Arsenal, wrote: “Rest in peace Diogo and Andre. All the strength for the family and friends.”

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said: “Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids.”

Steven Gerrard, also formerly of Liverpool, wrote on X: “RIP Diogo. Condolences to his family during this incredibly sad time.”

As the football world came together in mourning, there were tributes from the Premier League, the Professional Footballers’ Association, the Football Association and clubs from across the English top flight and Europe.

Liverpool’s Merseyside neighbours Everton said they were “deeply saddened” by the news, while a statement from Manchester United read: “Our deepest condolences are with the loved ones of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, and everyone connected with Liverpool FC following today’s heartbreaking news.”

Jota was recently married to Rute Cardoso in his home city of Porto, in northern Portugal, around 300km to the west of Zamora. The couple have three children.

Outside of football, tennis legend Rafael Nadal and the NBA’s LeBron James were among the sporting stars to send their condolences to the pair’s family and friends.

UEFA, the European governing body, announced a moment’s silence would be observed at all Women’s European Championship matches on Thursday and Friday.

There were also tributes from the world of politics.

British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Let me start with Jota because this is devastating news. I am sure I speak for everyone in saying our first thoughts are going to be with his family and his friends in particular.

“There are millions of Liverpool fans but also football fans and non-fans who will also be shocked by this.

“It is devastating and really important we bear in mind just how difficult a period this will be for his friends and for his family.”

Luis Montenegro, Portuguese prime minister, said: “I leave the family my deepest condolences. It’s a sad day for football and for national and international sport.”

(Top photo of Jota and Klopp: Laurence Griffiths/POOL/AFP via Getty Images))

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July 3, 2025
You can now get 60% off a Swytch ebike kit with an extra freebie thrown in – here’s how

Swytch is currently offering up to 60 per cent off its electric bike conversion kits, along with a free smart helmet.

You can get the Swytch Max+ and Max++ conversion kits with 60 per cent off for £399, which is a £600 saving. The Swytch Go kits are selling for £299, which is 45 per cent off their £499 RRP.

You’ll have to act fast, though. The deals end this week and you’ll have to sign up to the Swytch newsletter to claim your discount.

Swytch Max+ and Max++ ebike conversion kit

The Swytch Max and Max kits have an integrated front light. Swytch

Swytch launched the Max+ and Max++ ebike conversion kits in October last year.

The Max+ and Max++ can turn practically any bike into an electric bike. The kits include a wheel with a hub motor, a pedal sensor and a click-in battery, which you then install yourself.

The kits feature two different-size batteries, which mount on your handlebar. Swytch says the Max+ has a range of 20 to 40 miles, and the Max++ will power you for up to 60 miles.

The batteries also have a built-in front light and charge via a USB-C cable.

By signing up to Swytch’s newsletter you’ll get 60 per cent off the kits, saving £600.

Swytch Go ebike kit

The Swytch Go battery pack can fit into your frame. Swytch

The Swytch Go is still an ebike conversion kit, but it’s slightly different from the Max kits.

Instead of a battery that mounts on your handlebar, the Go has a battery pack, which can be mounted in the frame.

Swytch says the Go promises the same ride feel as the Max kits, but that it has a simpler design to bring the cost down.

Revealed in 2023, Swytch said it wanted to create a more affordable kit in response to the cost-of-living crisis.

The Go has 45 per cent off, bringing the price down from £499 to £299.

What about the helmet?

The helmet is worth £70 / $85. Swytch

When you sign up to Swytch’s mailing list and order a Max or Go conversion kit this week, you’ll also receive a free smart helmet.

Worth £70 / $85, Swytch says the helmet has auto braking lights, built-in indication and 36-hour battery life.

The helmet has a supporting phone app, handlebar control and universal adjustment.

How do I sign up to Swytch’s mailing list?

To sign up to Swytch’s mailing list, all you need to do is visit Swytch’s website and click ‘Sign Up’.

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July 3, 2025
Wall Street set to open higher after strong jobs data – Reuters
1. Wall Street set to open higher after strong jobs data Reuters
2. Futures rise; NFPs ahead; U.S.-Vietnam trade pact – what’s moving markets Investing.com
3. US stocks hold steady ahead of Thursday’s jobs report as Tesla rallies Dunya News
4. Asian shares tick up ahead of US payrolls test; Trump’s tax bill in focus Business Recorder
5. Stock Market News for Jul 3, 2025 Yahoo Finance
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July 3, 2025
IHC overturns 10-year sentences of 4 PTI workers in May 9 riots case – Pakistan

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday acquitted four PTI members who had been convicted on charges of attacking a police station during the violent May 9 riots.

On May 9, 2023, PTI supporters, protesting the party founder Imran Khan’s arrest, staged violent protests throughout the country, vandalising military installations and state-owned buildings, while also attacking the Lahore corps commander’s residence. Following the riots, thousands of protesters, including party leaders, were arrested.

An Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad had sentenced PTI MNA Abdul Latif and 11 other party members were convicted under various charges on May 30 for attacking the Ramna police station in Islamabad.

Following the verdict, the police took the four of the convicted members present in the court, namely Mira Khan, Muhammad Akram, Shahzeb, and Sohail Khan, into custody.

During today’s hearing, Justice Azam Khan and Justice Khadim Soomro acquitted the four convicts after the prosecution was unable to prove their presence at the scene of the protest based on the witnesses’ accounts.

The convicts had been charged under Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) Sections 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon), 149 (unlawful assembly), 186 (obstructing official duty), 188 (disobeying order of a public servant), 324 (attempted murder), 353 (assault on public servants), 436 (arson) and 440 (mischief); Section 144 of CrPC; and Section 7 of the Anti Terrorism Act (ATA), 1997.

They were sentenced to 10 years imprisonment under Section 7 ATA, five years under Section 324 of PPC, four under Section 436, two each under sections 353 and 148.

Additionally, the convicts were sentenced to four years in prison and fined Rs40,000 for burning a motorcycle under Section 426 (punishment for mischief); and a separate sentence of four years in prison and a fine of Rs40,000 under Section 440 (mischief committed after preparation made for causing death or hurt) for vandalising a police station.

A sentence of three-month imprisonment was imposed for interfering in the work of the police under Section 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), one month for violating Section 144 (joining unlawful assembly armed with a deadly weapon), and two years for committing a crime in a group under Section 149 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of an offence committed in prosecution of common object).

The sentences were to run concurrently.

The hearing

PTI lawyer Babar Awan argued that out of the nine prosecution witnesses, only one witness — Assistant Sub-Inspector Muhammad Sharif — was able to identify the accused.

He said, “While it was alleged that the protesters had resorted to firing, no one was injured. The crime must be punished, but the system should not be made into a joke.”

Justice Soomro asked the prosecutor, Nasir Shah, to present the evidence. Shah said that the evidence had been collected but sought more time to present it before the court.

The bench said that if more time was required, then it should have been informed in advance, since now it had heard all the arguments.

It further said that no one was injured, adding that the prosecution should prove the presence of the accused at the scene.

The judges said that the witnesses’ statements did not include any mention that the accused were present at the scene. They questioned whether the court would now hand down sentences based on an identity parade.

Meanwhile, the prosecutor said, “What could be a greater act of terrorism than an attack on a police station?”

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July 3, 2025
Researchers reveal how coral dispersal strengthens reef populations-Xinhua

SYDNEY, July 3 (Xinhua) — Researchers have discovered that the ability of coral larvae to disperse over long distances plays a critical role in strengthening Great Barrier Reef coral populations.

Researchers from University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, revealed that well-connected coral communities are better equipped to adapt to climate change and recover from environmental disturbances, offering new hope for the future of the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system, according to a UQ statement released on Thursday.

“Species that don’t disperse or breed as far are more likely to form isolated populations, reducing their capacity to recover from bleaching events or habitat degradation,” said UQ PhD candidate Zoe Meziere.

Researchers examined the genetics of two coral species, Stylophora pistillata and Popillopora verrucosa, across reefs from Far North Queensland to Flinders Reef, a small isolated reef near Brisbane, Queensland.

The study found that S. pistillata larvae settle just 23 to 102 meters from their parent coral, while P. verrucosa larvae can disperse up to 52 kilometers, leading to greater genetic diversity and more resilient populations.

The study, detailed in Science Advances, published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, highlights that supporting natural coral connectivity is vital for effective conservation, as greater genetic exchange boosts reefs’ ability to recover and adapt. ■

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July 3, 2025
Trump Administration Live Updates: Policy Bill Moves Toward Final House Vote – The New York Times
1. Trump Administration Live Updates: Policy Bill Moves Toward Final House Vote The New York Times
2. Donald Trump live: ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ faces final vote in US House Al Jazeera
3. The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Delivers Biggest Wins for the Working Class House Ways and Means (.gov)
4. Live updates: Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ awaits House vote | CNN Politics CNN
5. Trump’s tax-and-spending bill passes step in House, paving way for legislation The Guardian
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July 3, 2025
David Beckham’s ‘crowning achievement’ dies screaming amid family fued?

David Beckham’s family feud reaches new heights amid his life’s greatest achievement

David Beckham’s long-awaited knighthood glory might take a shocking turn amid tensions with his son Brooklyn.

Radar Online reported that the Beckham family’s ongoing family feud might ruin the retired English footballer’s knighthood.

For the unversed, Brooklyn and his wife, Nicola Peltz, are not still close to the rest of the family after snubbing the Beckham family patriarch’s 50th birthday.

Sources told the outlet that Victoria is shaking with rage over her onetime golden child for causing unnecessary stress when his father is about to be bestowed with the title of Sir by King Charles.

“David has waited for this moment for so many years; it’s literally his crowning achievement. He wants his family to celebrate with him. Sadly, there’s no question of Brooklyn being involved. The whole family is disgusted with him,” the insiders revealed.

Victoria, who will also be called Lady Beckham, “can’t fathom why he hasn’t been in touch on his hands and knees with a groveling apology,” they claimed.

“The whole family is devastated by the way things are right now. And the fact it’s all playing out in public, with Brooklyn and Peltz being open about feeling hard done by and playing professional victims, makes it 10 times worse,” the sources stated.

For those unversed, David Beckham, who shared four children, Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, and Harper, with wife Victoria, was considered for a knighthood for the first time in 2011 after he played a pivotal role in bringing the 2012 Olympics to London.

It is pertinent to mention that it was delayed because he was linked to the tax-avoidance scheme but he was later cleared of the charges, which opened the way for him to receive the honour.

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July 3, 2025
Goodwin Advises INTEC on Financing for the Acquisition of a Majority Stake in Three Companies of ARBOR Group | News & Events

The Goodwin team has advised INTEC Holding GmbH (“INTEC”) on the acquisition financing of a majority stake in three companies of the ARBOR Group.

INTEC has acquired a majority stake in the three independent companies OSW Technische Dokumentation Verlag GmbH (“OSW”), TECO Technical Concept GmbH (“TECO”), and SCOPE Engineering GmbH (“Scope”) from the ARBOR Group with effect from May 1, 2025.

INTEC is a manufacturer-independent and hardware-neutral engineering service provider specialized in the development, design and integration of complex technical systems. INTEC supports customers in the defence & security industry across all domains (land, air, sea, cyber) as well as in the automotive and mechanical engineering industry with tailor-made solutions for electronics, software and mechanics.

OSW, TECO and SCOPE complement the core business of INTEC and comprise services in the areas of safety-critical system development, Integrated Product Support and Integrated Logistics Support, technical documentation, system integration, and product and software development.

The deal team was led by Winfried M. Carli and Daniel Wagner and included Rina Omura (all Private Equity/Finance, Munich) as well as Felix Krüger (Tax, Frankfurt) and Philipp Lauer (Tax/Munich).

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July 3, 2025
When rainforests died, the planet caught fire: New clues from Earth’s greatest extinction
The collapse of tropical forests during Earth’s most catastrophic extinction event was the primary cause of the prolonged global warming which followed, according to new research.
The Permian-Triassic Mass Extinction – sometimes referred to as the “Great Dying,” happened around 252 million years ago, leading to the massive loss of marine species and significant declines in terrestrial plants and animals.

The event has been attributed to intense global warming triggered by a period of volcanic activity in Siberia, known as the Siberian Traps, but scientists have been unable to pinpoint why super-greenhouse conditions persisted for around five million years afterwards.

Now a team of international researchers led by the University of Leeds and the China University of Geosciences in Wuhan has gathered new data which supports the theory that the demise of tropical forests, and their slow recovery, limited carbon sequestration – a process where carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere and held in plants, soils or minerals.

During extensive field studies, the team used a new type of analysis of fossil records as well as clues about past climate conditions found in certain rock formations to reconstruct maps of changes in plant productivity during the Permian-Triassic Mass Extinction.

Their results, which are published on July 2 in Nature Communications,show that vegetation loss during the event led to greatly reduced levels of carbon sequestration resulting in a prolonged period where there were high levels of CO2.

The paper’s lead author, Dr Zhen Xu, from the School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, said: “The causes of such extreme warming during this event have been long discussed, as the level of warming is far beyond any other event.

“Critically, this is the only high temperature event in Earth’s history in which the tropical forest biosphere collapses, which drove our initial hypothesis. Now, after years of fieldwork, analysis and simulations, we finally have the data which supports it.”

The researchers believe their results reinforce the idea that thresholds, or ‘tipping points’ exist in Earth’s climate-carbon system which, when reached, means that warming can be amplified.

China is home to the most complete geological record of the Permian-Triassic mass Extinction and this work leverages an incredible archive of fossil data that has been gathered over decades by three generations of Chinese geologists.

The lead author Dr Zhen Xu is the youngest of these and is continuing the work begun by Professor Hongfu Yin and Professor Jianxin Yu, who are also authors of the study. Since 2016, Zhen and her colleagues have travelled throughout China from subtropical forests to deserts, including visiting areas accessible only by boat or on horseback.

Zhen came to the University of Leeds in 2020 to work with Professor Benjamin Mills on simulating the extinction event and assessing the climate impacts of the loss of tropical vegetation which is shown by the fossil record. Their results confirm that the change in carbon sequestration suggested by the fossils is consistent with the amount of warming that occurred afterwards.

Professor Mills added: “There is a warning here about the importance of Earth’s present day tropical forests. If rapid warming causes them to collapse in a similar manner, then we should not expect our climate to cool to preindustrial levels even if we stop emitting CO2.

“Indeed, warming could continue to accelerate in this case even if we reach zero human emissions. We will have fundamentally changed the carbon cycle in a way that can take geological timescales to recover, which has happened in Earth’s past.”

Reflecting on the study’s broader mission, Professor Hongfu Yin and Professor Jianxin Yu of the China University of Geosciences, underscored the urgency of blending tradition with innovation: “Paleontology needs to embrace new techniques — from numerical modelling to interdisciplinary collaboration — to decode the past and safeguard the future,” explained Professor Yin.

Professor Yu added: “Let’s make sure our work transcends academia: it is a responsibility to all life on Earth, today and beyond. Earth’s story is still being written, and we all have a role in shaping its next chapter.”

This research is primarily funded by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), with additional funding for collaborators provided by UKRI, ETH+, and the Australian Research Council. The work was conducted in collaboration with the following institutions:
- School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- State Key Laboratory of Geomicrobiology and Environmental Changes, School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, P.R. China
- School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
- Birmingham Institute of Forest Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, 4056, Switzerland
- Computational Evolution Group, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
- State Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, P.R. China
- Department of Biology, Howard University, Washington DC, USA
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, CNRS-Université de Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
- CEREGE, Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, INRA, Coll France, Aix-en-Provence, France
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July 3, 2025