The New Pangaea
Once upon a time, Earth had only one massive continent called Pangaea. Over millions of years, it broke apart to form the continents we know today.
However, due to the movement of tectonic plates, all current continents will eventually merge again into a single supercontinent. This transformation will significantly alter the planet's climate.
A large portion of this massive landmass will not be surrounded by oceans, which will profoundly affect weather patterns. Scientists predict that temperatures on this supercontinent could soar above 70°C (158°F), creating an environment devastating to human survival.
Volcanic eruptions will also play a significant role in shaping this harsh future. These eruptions will release vast amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. As a greenhouse gas, CO₂ traps heat and contributes to rising global temperatures.
Simulations conducted on advanced computers suggest that during the era of the new supercontinent, atmospheric CO₂ levels could reach 600 parts per million (ppm).
For comparison, today’s level is approximately 200 ppm lower. However, this scenario doesn’t account for continued fossil fuel burning, which could accelerate this process dramatically.
An Unforgiving Environment for Humans and Mammals
Mammals are known for their resilience and adaptability—after all, they survived the dinosaurs. However, they are primarily accustomed to cold or moderate climates.
Long-lasting extreme heat is something they’ve never faced. It is therefore reasonable to assume that most mammals, including humans, would eventually go extinct on the new Pangaea.
Extreme heat would cause widespread plant die-offs and increase atmospheric humidity. This combination would result in both food shortages and a failure of essential bodily cooling mechanisms like sweating.
Without the ability to regulate body temperature, survival would become impossible for humans and most mammals.
FAQ
How hot could the next supercontinent get?
Temperatures could soar above 70°C (158°F). The movement of tectonic plates will eventually merge all continents into one, and a large part of the landmass won't be surrounded by oceans, which will profoundly affect weather patterns.
Why would mammals die out on the new Pangaea?
Mammals are used to cold or moderate climates and have never faced long-lasting extreme heat. Plants would die off and humidity would rise, causing food shortages and a failure of cooling mechanisms like sweating.
Could any part of the supercontinent stay livable for mammals?
A small part, estimated at just 16% of Earth's landmass. For a population that already exceeds 8 billion, that is far from sufficient.
Do we need to worry about the new Pangaea?
No. Two hundred million years is an unimaginably long time, and we are likely to go extinct due to entirely different causes well before then.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite these bleak predictions, scientists believe that a small part of the supercontinent may still offer a tolerable climate for mammals. However, this habitable area would be minimal—estimated to cover just 16% of the Earth’s landmass. For a population that already exceeds 8 billion, this is far from sufficient.
Should We Be Concerned?
Fortunately, this grim scenario is not something current humanity needs to worry about. Two hundred million years is an unimaginably long time, and we are likely to go extinct due to entirely different causes well before then.
Alternatively, humans may evolve into a completely different species, potentially spreading across the galaxy. In such a case, Earth may no longer be of much interest to us.
