Scientists reveal the exact date when Earth will face a ‘mass extinction’

Scientists reveal the exact date when Earth will face a ‘mass extinction’

Groundbreaking research from the University of Bristol has pinpointed a sobering timeline for Earth’s ability to support mammalian life, including humans. While life has thrived on the planet for billions of years, scientists now predict an endpoint in approximately 250 million years.

This estimate is based on advanced computer simulations that analyze key factors influencing Earth’s long-term environment, such as tectonic plate movements, solar radiation shifts, and changes in atmospheric composition.

Together, these forces paint a picture of a future Earth that becomes increasingly inhospitable.

A combination of critical factors will transform the planet’s conditions beyond what mammals can endure. The formation of a new supercontinent will drastically reshape Earth’s geography and climate, while solar radiation is expected to increase by 2.5%, intensifying heat and further altering global weather patterns.

Elevated carbon dioxide levels—projected to double current concentrations—will compound these challenges. According to Dr. Alexander Farnsworth, a senior research fellow at the University of Bristol, these elements will push global temperatures to between 40°C and 70°C, making vast regions uninhabitable for mammals.

Over the next 250 million years, Earth’s surface is predicted to undergo dramatic transformations. The shifting tectonic plates will create a supercontinent with a doughnut-like shape, featuring an inland sea surrounded by land and the Pacific Ocean dominating the rest of the planet.

This geological evolution, which occurs every 400 to 600 million years, will produce climatic conditions vastly different from those of today, further complicating the survival of complex life forms.

While these events may seem distant, the study underscores their relevance to present-day climate issues. Dr. Eunice Lo, a researcher in climate change and health at the University of Bristol, points to the immediate implications of human activities, such as fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions, which could accelerate the timeline for uninhabitable conditions.

Though Earth hasn’t experienced a mass extinction event since the dinosaurs’ disappearance 66 million years ago, human-induced changes are creating conditions that could precipitate the next catastrophic extinction.

The findings serve as a stark reminder that while Earth’s distant future may seem abstract, the impacts of climate change are being felt now. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and other environmental crises signal the urgent need for action.

Achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions is not only critical for mitigating current climate challenges but also essential for preserving the habitability of our planet for future generations.

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