A recent thought-provoking study has revealed the possible fate of Earth in the future. According to scientific predictions, in approximately 250 million years, Earth will once again form a supercontinent called Pangea Ultima. This transformation will bring a series of catastrophic environmental consequences, posing severe survival challenges for mammals, including humans.
Scientists at the University of Bristol in the UK have used supercomputers to simulate this process. They discovered that as Earth’s tectonic plates collide again, the formation of Pangea Ultima will trigger a range of environmental disasters. Due to the vast inland areas and the lack of large oceans to regulate the climate, Earth will become a massive heat trap, causing temperatures to rise sharply. This will lead to extreme desertification, making it difficult for most life forms to survive.
Additionally, the collision of tectonic plates will result in a surge in volcanic activity, releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This will further intensify the greenhouse effect, exacerbating global warming and destabilizing ecosystems already struggling against extreme heat. At the same time, the predicted increase in solar brightness will impose additional heat stress on Earth, making the environment even more hostile.
It is estimated that most regions of Pangea Ultima will experience temperatures exceeding 40°C, with some areas reaching over 50°C. Under such extreme conditions, the ability of mammals to regulate body temperature through evaporative cooling will be severely challenged. With high humidity levels hindering sweat evaporation, mammals may face fatal overheating.
The study indicates that 92% of Earth’s landmass may no longer be habitable for mammals, with only polar and coastal regions remaining livable. If humans still exist 250 million years from now, they will need to find ways to survive in an extremely hot and humid environment.
One possible adaptation is biological evolution. Over millions of years, humans might develop heat-resistant traits, such as thicker skin, modified sweat glands, or different body shapes to better regulate body temperature and cope with harsh climates. Additionally, technological solutions may play a crucial role. Humans might shift to underground living, constructing vast subterranean cities to escape the scorching surface temperatures. These underground environments could provide stable conditions, protecting human civilization from extreme climate conditions.
However, geologists from the German Research Centre for Geosciences warn that extinction events have occurred multiple times in history and could happen again in the future. Life will find a way, but it may not be in the form we recognize today. This study serves as a reminder that, in the face of Earth’s future changes, we must prioritize environmental protection and sustainable development to address potential survival challenges.
Source: Scientists at the University of Bristol in the UK
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