'600-year ticking bomb': Scientists warn of a volcanic eruption that could wipe out many cities
Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
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Looming Threat
Warnings have been issued by scientists about an impending volcanic eruption that could surpass Mount Tambora's devastating 1815 explosion, reshaping global climates and displacing millions.
Historic Lessons
Mount Tambora’s 1815 eruption triggered the “year without a summer,” causing global cooling, failed crops, famine, and cultural shifts, including Mary Shelley's inspiration for Frankenstein.
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Overdue Disaster
Experts believe such catastrophic eruptions occur roughly every 600 years. With the last major eruption centuries ago, scientists fear the world is overdue for another.
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Unprepared Humanity
Markus Stoffel, a climate professor at the University of Geneva, cautions that while an eruption is inevitable, humanity lacks a comprehensive plan to handle the chaos it would unleash.
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Economic Fallout
According to Lloyd’s of London, a Tambora-scale eruption today could cost over $3.6 trillion in its first year alone, with effects rippling across economies worldwide.
Climatic Shock
Volcanic gases like sulfur dioxide form aerosols in the stratosphere, scattering sunlight and causing global cooling. Alan Robock from Rutgers University warns these effects could last for years.
Modern Risks
Michael Rampino of NYU highlights how modern factors like accelerated atmospheric circulation and glacier melting could worsen the impact of a large eruption.
Food Security
A massive eruption could disrupt rainfall patterns and devastate crops in major breadbasket regions, leading to food shortages and heightened geopolitical tensions.
Call to Act
Enhanced monitoring, disaster planning, and international cooperation are crucial, as scientists stress the urgency of preparing for an inevitable eruption that could reshape human history.
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