Researchers from the University of Bristol used supercomputer simulations of future climate and continental changes. The analysis shows that extreme climate events will sharply intensify as the continents collapse into a hot, dry and almost uninhabitable supercontinent within 250 million years.

Scientists have modeled changes in temperature, wind, rain and humidity for the next supercontinent, Pangea Ultima, which is expected to form within the next 250 million years. To predict the absorption and release of carbon dioxide, scientists used models of tectonic plate movement, ocean chemistry, and biology.

Modeling results show that Earth’s temperature will continue to rise as the Sun gets brighter, emitting more energy and warming the planet. The second factor that will affect the climate will be increased volcanic activity. Tectonic processes associated with the formation of the supercontinent will lead to more frequent volcanic eruptions and greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.

Although human-induced climate change and global warming are an increasing cause of heat stress and death in some regions, research suggests that the planet will remain largely habitable until a seismic displacement occurs in the distant future. However, once a supercontinent forms, only 8% to 16% of the land on it will be suitable for mammal life.

According to scientists, during the formation of a supercontinent, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will increase 1.5 times from 400 to 600 parts per million. Temperatures will range from 40 to 50° and moisture will be high in most soils.

Mammals, including humans, have survived and become dominant species due to their ability to adapt to extremely cold weather, especially through adaptations such as fur and hibernation in the cold, as well as short-term hibernation in warm weather. Mammals’ tolerance to high temperatures is generally underdeveloped. Therefore, it is much more difficult for our class of animals to overcome the long-term effects of extreme heat.

Researchers emphasize that such changes in natural conditions will lead to the complete or almost complete extinction of mammals and the planet will become unsuitable for human life. Source