A global disaster is coming and scientists are already warning about it. There is a one in six chance that a massive volcanic eruption will disrupt all life on the planet as we know it today, this century. Such a cataclysmic-scale event could lead to “climate chaos” rivaling the 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia. According to Dr. Marcus Stoffel, climate professor at the University of Geneva, as quoted cnnThe intensity of the eruption more than 200 years ago caused Earth to experience a “year without a summer.”
The eruption released 24 cubic miles of gases, dust and rocks into the atmosphere, causing global temperatures to drop, eventually cooling the Northern Hemisphere by 1 degree Celsius.
Scientists warn that even with sophisticated sensors and seismic equipment, it is impossible to predict when a volcanic eruption will hit us. However, according to Dr. Stoffel, one thing is certain: “Humanity has no plan.”
He said, “It is a more unstable world now. The impacts may be worse than those seen in 1815.”
Climate change widely affects volcanic activity. Melting ice due to rising temperatures may reduce pressure on magma chambers, potentially leading to more frequent eruptions. Additionally, more intense rainfall, another byproduct of climate change, could infiltrate deep underground, interacting with magma and potentially triggering volcanic activity.
Despite the possibility of temporary global cooling after a massive eruption, scientists have cautioned against seeing it as a ray of hope in the fight against climate change.
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a dark future
The economic consequences of a massive eruption could be staggering, with losses potentially reaching trillions. Furthermore, any cooling effect would be transitory, with the planet soon returning to its warming path due to ongoing greenhouse gas emissions.
Dr. Stoffel hopes that warning about such a catastrophic future will motivate the public and policymakers to better prepare for this event. From evacuation plans to preparing food aid to building disaster shelters, every policy related to a catastrophic event needs to be reconsidered
The urgency of the warning was recently felt in Hawaii when Kilauea Volcano, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, erupted again. Scientists measured that it spewed lava up to 80 meters (260 ft) into the air. The volcano has been active since 1983 and before December, the last eruption was seen in June 2024 and lasted about five days.
It is one of six active volcanoes located in the Hawaiian Islands, including Mauna Loa, the world’s largest volcano, although Kilauea is far more active.
