Scientists named the timeline for the end of the world

Scientists have calculated the possible lifespan of life on Earth and concluded that the planet's plant biosphere could survive for approximately another 1.8 billion years. This was reported by the Daily Mail, citing the results of the study.

The study was conducted by specialists from the University of Colorado Boulder and the Seattle-based company Blue Marble Space. They used a three-dimensional climate model that accounted for changes in temperature, cloud cover, precipitation, ocean conditions, and atmospheric circulation. The scientists modeled the development of Earth's climate over the next two billion years.

The authors of the study believe that as the Sun ages, its luminosity will gradually increase. Because of this, temperatures on Earth will continue to rise, while the concentration of carbon dioxide, which plants need for photosynthesis, will decrease. Ultimately, this will lead to the disappearance of most vegetation. The last to survive will be the most drought-resistant species, including cacti and plants that use a special type of photosynthesis.

The researchers considered two scenarios: a gradual decrease in carbon dioxide concentration due to its absorption by rocks (certain rocks are capable of absorbing carbon dioxide through a process known as natural weathering, or mineral carbonation. - Ed. note by "Gazeta.Ru") and a scenario in which carbon levels remain roughly constant, with rising temperature becoming the main factor.

The calculations showed that Earth's plant biosphere is capable of surviving for approximately 1.8 billion years. This is significantly longer than had been suggested in a number of previous studies. After that, Earth is expected to begin losing its oceans and become uninhabitable due to the further increase in the Sun's luminosity.

At the same time, the authors emphasized that the modeling did not account for the possible evolution of plants or potential technological advances by humanity. In the scientists' opinion, these factors could alter the timeline of the biosphere's existence.

The researchers did not rule out that plants could theoretically adapt to new conditions, and that life could spread into the upper layers of the atmosphere and even beyond Earth. In addition, scientists are already considering various methods of artificially reducing solar radiation, although the consequences of such technologies remain insufficiently studied.

The authors of the study concluded that life on Earth is highly resilient.