If humans stopped using fossil fuels today, we still might not survive on Earth in the long run. A new study by experts from the University of Bristol shows that in around 250 million years, Earth could face a major extinction event.
Here’s what makes it concerning — their computer models predict that all mammals, including humans, could disappear. The future Earth would have extreme heat, with temperatures between 40°C to 70°C (104°F to 158°F).
But here’s a crucial point: these predictions don’t even include today’s greenhouse gas emissions. So, if we keep burning fossil fuels, this future could arrive much earlier than expected.
This would be the first mass extinction since the dinosaurs vanished 66 million years ago. Back then, a huge space rock caused disaster. Now, the threat looks different but no less serious.
Dr. Alexander Farnsworth, who led the study, explains that carbon dioxide levels could double what we have today. Here’s something to consider — humans wouldn’t survive these extreme temperatures because our bodies can’t release heat fast enough, even through sweating.
In this future, Earth’s continents will shift and combine into one massive landmass called Pangea Ultima. Imagine this: the land would form a doughnut shape, with a large inland sea in the center, where the Atlantic Ocean used to be.
Meanwhile, the Pacific Ocean would spread out, covering most of Earth’s surface. Even though Pangea Ultima is just one possibility, scientists agree Earth’s continents will eventually merge, creating a hot and mostly uninhabitable environment.
Another point to note is that this supercontinent will likely cause more volcanic eruptions. These eruptions will release even more carbon dioxide, warming the planet further.
Adding to this, the sun’s brightness is increasing over time, naturally heating the Earth. With all these factors combined, life for mammals would become extremely difficult.
Dr. Farnsworth suggests we might survive in climate-controlled shelters, with special facilities for growing food. Otherwise, our hope could depend on moving to other planets — an idea still far from reality.