Shocking Study Reveals Timeline and Causes of Potential Extinction for Humans and Mammals

The thought that extreme heat could lead to mass extinction sounds like a plot from a sci-fi movie. However, new studies suggest that our planet might be heading towards such a crisis if continents merge into a single landmass. Some scientists believe this could trigger an extinction event similar to what happened to the dinosaurs.

Dr. Alexander Farnsworth from the University of Bristol led a study published in Nature Geoscience, which explores how a future supercontinent, dubbed Pangea Ultima, could change life’s survival chances on Earth. Using advanced climate models, the research indicates that this supercontinent could create conditions that are much hotter and drier, severely limiting where life could thrive.

Geologists have long theorized that continents shift over millions of years. If Pangea Ultima forms, much of its land will be away from cooling ocean influences—this is known as the continentality effect. Dr. Farnsworth explains that this situation, coupled with a brighter sun and increased CO₂ in the atmosphere, would create a "triple whammy" of heat for much of the planet.

Researchers identify three major factors that could lead to human extinction under these conditions:

1. The massive landmass would trap heat in the interior.
2. The sun’s brightness will increase over time.
3. Increased volcanic activity will add more carbon dioxide, leading to more warming.

In these extreme temperatures—projected to reach highs of 40 to 70°C (104 to 158°F)—humans and many other mammals may struggle to survive. Dr. Farnsworth highlights that humans rely on sweating to cool down; without access to cooler areas, high humidity will make it difficult to regulate body temperature.

Past research shows that while mammals have adapted to temperature changes throughout history (like growing thicker fur or hibernating), sustained heat is a different challenge. Studies indicate that in the new supercontinent scenario, only 8% to 16% of land would remain within a tolerable temperature range. As arid conditions take hold, reliable water and food sources would become scarce, making survival increasingly difficult.

The study is a reminder of our current climate crisis. Dr. Eunice Lo, a co-author from the University of Bristol, emphasizes that the extreme heat we experience today is already damaging our health. With heatwaves disrupting crops and energy systems, increasing public awareness and effective policy changes could mitigate some of the worst impacts.

Looking further ahead, carbon dioxide levels are expected to rise significantly due to volcanic activity, potentially reaching over 600 parts per million in the coming millions of years. This accumulation would create a hostile atmosphere for many living organisms, further complicating survival.

Historically, Earth has seen several mass extinction events. For example, the Permian-Triassic extinction around 252 million years ago wiped out 90% of marine species. By understanding these patterns, scientists can better predict how life on other planets might be affected by similar factors, such as climate extremes caused by tectonic movements.

While the idea of a supercontinent seems far-off, it highlights the urgent need to address climate issues today. Our behavior now can dictate the future of life on our planet. The implications of this research serve as a stark reminder of the impact we have on our environment.

For further details, refer to the full study in Nature Geoscience here.

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