New Research Suggests Mount Toba Eruption Did Not Nearly Wipe Out Humans

A new study challenges the long-held theory that the massive Mount Toba volcanic eruption nearly drove humanity to extinction. The eruption, which occurred roughly 74,000 years ago in present-day Indonesia, was one of the largest in Earth's history. Scientists previously believed the event triggered a volcanic winter severe enough to devastate early human populations. However, new research suggests the eruption had far less climate impact than previously thought. The findings cast doubt on the so-called 'Toba catastrophe hypothesis' that has shaped our understanding of early human history.