Don't worry, the catastrophe teased in the headline of this Science Alert story won't happen for another bilion years or so. But when the next Great Oxidation Event does occur -- as it did 2.4 billion years ago -- it'll happen quickly, says Chris Reinhard, associate professor in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. In a new study he co-authored, Reinhard says the oxygen-rich habitable history of Earth could end up lasting for just 20-30 percent of the planet's lifespan as a whole – and microbial life will carry on existing long after we are gone.
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