First-Ever Supercomputer Simulation Reveals When Humans Might Face Extinction

While many of us are familiar with the immediate effects of climate change, there's growing evidence suggesting that the long-term future could hold far more catastrophic outcomes for humanity.

The future, of course, is uncertain, and many of the scenarios scientists theorize about may never come to pass. However, if we somehow manage to avoid disasters like nuclear war and the accompanying fallout, there remain other existential threats that could bring about the end of humanity.

Among these threats, climate change looms large. Its impact is expected to grow more severe with each passing year, making it one of the most significant challenges to our survival as a species.

In an effort to predict how humanity might meet its end, a supercomputer was used to analyze a vast array of data. This included information on the Earth's climate, tectonic activity, ocean chemistry, and biological systems, all aimed at pinpointing when our planet might become uninhabitable for humans.

Researchers from the University of Bristol led a groundbreaking study to visualize how Earth's future might look. The results show a world vastly different from the one we know today, though thankfully, these changes are projected to occur far into the future.

One key finding revolves around the shifting tectonic plates. Over millions of years, the continents are expected to merge into a new supercontinent scientists have named Pangea Ultima.

Looks pretty hot to be fair... Getty Stock Image

Dr. Alexander Farnsworth explained: "The newly-emerged supercontinent would effectively create a triple whammy, comprising the continentality effect, hotter sun and more CO2 in the atmosphere, of increasing heat for much of the planet."

He added: "The result is a mostly hostile environment devoid of food and water sources for mammals."

According to the study, "Widespread temperatures of between 40 to 50 degrees Celsius, and even greater daily extremes, compounded by high levels of humidity would ultimately seal our fate."

"Humans - along with many other species - would expire due to their inability to shed this heat through sweat, cooling their bodies."

When this supercontinent forms, only about eight to 16 percent of the Earth's surface would remain suitable for mammal habitation. This would present immense challenges for humans, who would find it incredibly difficult to adjust to such extreme climate changes.

In addition to harsher climates, volcanic activity is expected to increase significantly. Coupled with a brighter, hotter sun, these conditions would create an environment that pushes humans and other species to their limits.

A warming planet could prove disastrous Getty Stock Image

Fortunately, this apocalyptic scenario is not expected to unfold for another 250 million years. Still, researchers hope their findings will serve as a wake-up call for humanity to take the current climate crisis more seriously.

Study co-author Dr. Eunice Lo emphasized: "It is vitally important not to lose sight of our current Climate Crisis, which is a result of human emissions of greenhouse gases."

"While we are predicting an uninhabitable planet in 250 million years, today we are already experiencing extreme heat that is detrimental to human health."

She continued: "This is why it is crucial to reach net-zero emissions as soon as possible."