UNITED KINGDOM: In a new study conducted by researchers at the University of Bristol, a dire warning has been issued about the potential formation of a new supercontinent, ominously named Pangea Ultima, which could spell catastrophe for Earth’s inhabitants, including humans.
The study, based on cutting-edge supercomputer climate models, paints a grim picture of the future, predicting an impending mass extinction driven by extreme heat stress.
According to the findings of this study, the convergence of all continents into Pangea Ultima, expected to occur in approximately 250 million years, would transform our planet into an inhospitable and unforgiving environment. Here are the key takeaways from the research:
Extreme Heat and Hostility: Pangea Ultima would become a land of scorching heat and aridity, rendering it hostile for mammals ill-equipped to withstand prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures.
Intensified Global Warming: As the study suggests, the sun would grow brighter, emitting more energy, which, coupled with increased volcanic activity on the supercontinent, would release higher levels of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming.
Fatal Conditions: The projected conditions on Pangea Ultima include widespread temperatures ranging from a sweltering 40 to 50 degrees Celsius, combined with high humidity. Such an environment would prove fatal for numerous species, including humans.
Limited Habitability: Researchers estimate that only a fraction of the supercontinent’s land, roughly 8% to 16%, would remain habitable for mammals, highlighting the formidable challenges of survival in such an unforgiving landscape.
Urgent Call for Climate Action: The study serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the ongoing climate crisis. It emphasizes the necessity of reducing human-induced greenhouse gas emissions and striving to limit global warming to the agreed-upon target of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.
Eunice Lo, one of the co-authors of the report, stressed the significance of confronting the current climate crisis head-on, stating, “It is crucial to maintain a keen focus on the ongoing climate emergency, which has been triggered by the release of greenhouse gases due to human activities.”
The study not only raises alarm bells but also points to the need for humanity to consider long-term survival strategies.
These may include exploring options such as colonizing other planets or developing innovative ways to adapt to extreme environments, should the predicted conditions of Pangea Ultima materialize.
Throughout Earth’s history, five major mass extinction events have occurred, with the most recent being the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event, which led to the extinction of dinosaurs.
The University of Bristol’s study underscores the pressing importance of responsible environmental stewardship to avert future ecological crises and safeguard the future of our planet.
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