Volcanoes played a pivotal role in history, triggering the extinction of dinosaurs and devastating civilizations like the Minoans on Santorini in 1450 BCE. Today, 1670 active volcanoes jeopardize the lives of 600 million people globally. The planet itself is profoundly affected; for instance, when Mount Pinatubo erupted in the Philippines, global temperatures dropped by nearly 1°C for three years. Recent studies even propose that a colossal volcanic eruption may eventually threaten humanity's existence. Despite their destructive power, volcanoes also sustain life, potentially contributing to life's origins on Earth.

Volcanoes played a pivotal role in history, triggering the extinction of dinosaurs and devastating civilizations like the Minoans on Santorini in 1450 BCE. Today, 1670 active volcanoes jeopardize the lives of 600 million people globally. The planet itself is profoundly affected; for instance, when Mount Pinatubo erupted in the Philippines, global temperatures dropped by nearly 1°C for three years. Recent studies even propose that a colossal volcanic eruption may eventually threaten humanity's existence. Despite their destructive power, volcanoes also sustain life, potentially contributing to life's origins on Earth.