Title: “Formation of Future Supercontinent Could Spell Doom for Mankind, Study Suggests”
Researchers have warned that the formation of a future supercontinent, dubbed Pangea Ultima, approximately 250 million years from now, could trigger the extinction of humans and other mammals. A recently published study in Nature Geoscience has revealed that the effects of this supercontinent would lead to drastic changes in Earth’s climate, resulting in a cataclysmic event that many species may not be able to survive.
Using advanced technology, including a UK Met Office climate model and the University of Bristol supercomputer, scientists simulated the extreme climate that could arise from the formation of Pangea Ultima. Their findings indicate that increased volcanic activity would release twice as much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as current levels. This, combined with a hotter sun emitting more radiation and the creation of extensive inland deserts in the tropics, would result in global temperatures soaring up to 15 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with land temperatures potentially rising by as much as 30 degrees Celsius.
The study highlights that the rise in temperatures, which would make survival extremely challenging for most life forms, could cause the extinction of several mammal species, including humans. While mammals have proven adaptive to changing environments throughout history, the ability to acclimate to such extreme heat conditions in a relatively short timeframe may be beyond their capabilities.
Furthermore, the potential extinction event would lead to severe disruptions in the food chain due to widespread collapse of vegetation. The study emphasizes the critical importance of not surpassing the Earth’s threshold, particularly in regard to climate change. It serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of our environment and the severe consequences that can result from pushing the limits.
Despite acknowledging the long-term timeframe associated with their prediction, the authors believe their study provides valuable insights into past mass extinctions and the potential habitability of other planets. They stress the need to consider tectonics while searching for habitable planets, as the presence of a supercontinent could significantly impact the climate.
In conclusion, the formation of a future supercontinent, Pangea Ultima, holds the potential to bring about the extinction of humans and other mammals due to extreme climate changes. This study serves as a wake-up call to reevaluate our impact on the environment, urging us to ensure that we do not push the limits beyond the point at which our own species and others can adapt and survive.
