How would the earth be without the presence of humans? This is an intriguing question that makes us think about the impact we are having on the planet. Carlton Basmajian, professor of community planning and urbanism at Iowa State University in the United States, envisioned what the world would look like a year after the human species became extinct.
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Silence and cleanliness: the effects of human absence
The first thing we would notice would be the silence. Without the constant noise of buildings, cars, and other human activities, the environment would be quiet. The sky would become bluer and the air purer as pollution and dust would gradually disappear through the action of wind and rain.
Challenges of a world without people: scarcity of water and lack of electricity
However, not everything would be positive. Failure to maintain water supply systems would result in a shortage of this vital resource. In winter, the pipes would freeze, burst and cut off the water supply. In addition, the absence of workers to monitor and supply the power plants would lead to a collapse in the power supply.
Uncontrolled growth of vegetation
Nature, in turn, would take up the space left by man. The grass would get out of hand, plants would invade the yards, and new weed species would emerge. Insects that are normally fought by humans would reproduce unhindered.
Chance for wild species
Animals would also benefit from the absence of humans. Rodents, foxes, beavers and other small mammals would be the first to spread. Over time, larger animals such as deer, coyotes, and bears would colonize areas abandoned by humans.
The fate of maintenancefree buildings
The lack of maintenance of manmade structures would lead to the formation of cracks in bridges, buildings and highways. Plants began to grow in these rooms, which over time contributed to the deterioration of these buildings. However, concrete structures would last for centuries.
Ruins as evidence of civilization
After a thousand years, the world would be vaguely recognizable. Ruins of buildings and monuments would be evidence of an extinct civilization. Just as we can see traces of ancient civilizations like the Roman Empire today, the remnants of mankind would have been preserved for a long time.
The sudden absence of humans would highlight the importance of being present and caring for the planet. It would show that civilization needs constant maintenance to survive. It would be a reminder that we must treat the world responsibly and sustainably so that we and the planet can thrive together.