Earth oxygen depletion predicted sooner than expected by scientists

Scientists using computational models have investigated the potential depletion of Earth's oxygen-rich atmosphere. While several scenarios could lead to the end of life on Earth—including climate change, increased carbon dioxide, asteroid impacts, or the eventual expansion of the Sun in approximately 6 billion years—researchers suggest the loss of the oxygen atmosphere may occur sooner than previously thought.

The study references the ‘Great Oxidation Event,’ a period roughly 2.5 billion years ago when oxygen levels in the atmosphere and oceans rose significantly due to single-celled organisms. This event was crucial for the evolution of complex life. However, current models aim to predict how much longer the planet can maintain its breathable atmosphere.