In a dramatic new statement, tech mogul Elon Musk warned that the spectacular eruption of Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano — with lava spewing over 1,000 feet into the sky — is not just a natural phenomenon, but a symptom of a planet in crisis.

“This eruption is not an isolated event,” Musk tweeted late Monday night. “It’s one of many extreme natural events being accelerated by climate change. And it’s just the beginning.”

The eruption, which began early Sunday morning, lit up the night sky and forced the evacuation of several communities near the volcano’s eastern rift zone. While no casualties have been reported, local authorities are on high alert as lava continues to flow toward uninhabited forested areas. Seismic activity in the region has also increased, sparking concern among geologists and emergency responders.

Musk, known for his work on sustainable energy and space exploration, suggested that the recent surge in violent weather and geological activity across the globe — from floods in Asia to massive wildfires in Australia — could be interconnected. “Climate systems are under stress, and Earth is responding in ways we’re only beginning to understand,” he said.

He then added an ominous note that has fueled widespread speculation online: “Something even scarier may be coming next. We should prepare — technologically, psychologically, and politically.”

Scientists remain cautious about directly linking volcanic eruptions to climate change, as tectonic activity has long been understood to be driven by internal processes deep within the Earth. However, some research indicates that melting glaciers and changes in atmospheric pressure can trigger or intensify volcanic activity in certain regions.

Environmental experts agree with Musk on one point: the frequency and intensity of extreme events — hurricanes, heatwaves, droughts, and now potentially geological activity — are rising. Whether Kilauea’s eruption is part of that trend remains to be seen, but it has once again placed Earth’s fragility in the spotlight.

As the lava continues to pour and the air grows thick with volcanic gases, residents and scientists alike are watching — and wondering — if Musk’s warning is more than just a headline.