Abdelrahman
Latest Update: February 21, 2025, 15:26 IST
Future of Earth: Merging into Pangea Ultima and its Consequences
Researchers at the University of Bristol have forecasted that in approximately 250 million years, Earth’s continents will coalesce into a supercontinent known as Pangea Ultima. This major geological transformation is expected to bring about extreme environmental conditions, characterized by soaring heat, excessive humidity, and significant volcanic activity, all of which could render the planet uninhabitable for mammals.
Studies suggest that as a response to harsh conditions, humans might shift to a nocturnal lifestyle akin to that of desert-adapted creatures. (Representative/Shutterstock)
The year 2012 was rife with doomsday predictions, with many claiming that the world would end, leaving no life to survive the supposed catastrophic happenings predicted for December 21 of that year.
While philosophical, astrological, and scientific perspectives have explored Earth’s age, recent developments have introduced supercomputer simulations that present a startling vision of the planet’s future. These advanced simulations indicate that Earth could undergo dramatic changes, posing a serious threat to the sustainability of life as we currently know it. They project that in 250 million years, the planet will face unprecedented climatic conditions.
Rising global temperatures have sparked concerns about our planet’s future. If this warming trend continues unchecked, it could lead to a dire scenario where mammals, including humans, risk extinction. Escalating temperatures could create conditions so severe that survival becomes virtually impossible due to extreme heat and heightened volcanic activity.
Human behavior, driven by an unquenchable thirst for resources, has led to the substantial degradation of our natural environment. The relentless deforestation and urbanization have negatively impacted global temperatures, increasing heat levels. This reality raises a troubling question: if current practices persist, how much hotter will Earth become in 250 million years? The historically reliable predictions from supercomputers suggest a scorching future looms.
According to research from the University of Bristol, the continents will unite to form a supercontinent referred to as Pangea Ultima. This massive landmass is projected to experience blistering temperatures, possibly soaring to 50°C (122°F) in various regions.
Located near the equator, Pangea Ultima will be characterized by extreme temperatures, oppressive humidity, and heightened volcanic activity, rendering large swathes of the planet inhospitable to mammals. The increase in volcanic activity is tied to a rise in carbon dioxide emissions, which exacerbates the greenhouse effect, further elevating global temperatures and jeopardizing human survival.
A recent analysis warns that up to 92% of Earth could become uninhabitable, with only polar and coastal regions remaining viable for life. Dr. Alexander Farnsworth highlighted this concerning forecast, referring to the combination of extreme heat, humidity, and volcanic activity as a "triple threat" to mammalian life, resulting in hazardous living conditions.
Additionally, this study indicates that humans may have to construct underground cities as a refuge from soaring temperatures. There is also speculation that future living conditions might lead humans to adopt nocturnal habits similar to those of desert-dwelling species.
Some scientists propose that to ensure humanity’s survival, we may need to explore and colonize other planets. Throughout history, supercontinent formations have been linked to mass extinctions, with geological shifts and volcanic activity causing significant climate disruptions repeatedly.
While the exact future of Earth remains uncertain, it is evident that our actions toward the environment will dictate our fate. Although many may not see the consequences in their lifetime, the reality is that climate change is approaching rapidly and will shape our world in profound ways.
