Environmental proxies are indicators or markers that provide information about past environmental conditions. These proxies can include physical, chemical, biological, or geological characteristics that reflect specific environmental factors such as temperature, precipitation, vegetation, and ocean conditions. Researchers use environmental proxies to study changes in the Earth's climate and environment over time, providing valuable insight into the processes and drivers of environmental change. Some common types of environmental proxies include tree rings, ice cores, pollen records, and sediment cores. By using these proxies, scientists can reconstruct past environmental conditions and better understand the impact of human activities on the planet.