What Happens If All Humans Disappear From Earth?

The presence of humans on earth is still very young, compared to the age of the earth and the universe, which are much older. However, humans succeeded in conquering the earth in a relatively short time by spreading to all corners of the earth, creating technology, constructing tall buildings, and giving birth to civilizations. However, have you ever thought what would happen if one day the entire human population living on earth suddenly disappeared? What will happen to the nature and civilization we leave behind?

What Will Happen In Small Scope

In a small scope, the buildings and infrastructure that are around us will begin to disintegrate without regular use and maintenance. This is not caused by natural disasters or alien attacks from outer space, but because of the most important element for life on earth, namely water. Humid air due to the presence of water will cause wood to rot, iron to rust, and building structures to be infested by pioneer organisms such as mold and mildew. Weeds will also grow in the cracks and eventually collapse the building structure.

What Will Happen In Large Scope

In a broader scope, the massive use of fossil fuels and the use of plastics by humans has disrupted the carbon cycle that has lasted millions of years. Carbon levels in the atmosphere are increasing, causing the greenhouse effect and increasing global temperatures. However, once humans are gone, there will be no more use of fossil fuels and air pollution will start to disappear within 3 months. Within 1 year, the carbon in the air will be back in balance due to the process of plant photosynthesis. After 200 years, the oceans and plants will completely remove excess carbon from the air. Humans built civilization as it is now for 200 thousand years, but when humans disappear, the places we know today will return to their original state before being built by humans. Researchers have proven this with concrete examples in the Chernobyl district, which was suddenly abandoned by all its inhabitants due to the nuclear radiation disaster. In just 20 years, 70% of the Chernobyl district has turned into forest inhabited by local wildlife. Through the example above, we can understand that humans do have a great influence on the environment and civilization around them. However, when humans disappear, nature will again take over and return to its original state. Therefore, it is important for humans to preserve the environment and existing civilization, so that they can continue to live and develop together with nature.

What can humans do to take care of the earth?

To take care of the earth, humans must change their behavior patterns and become more responsible towards their surroundings. The following are some things humans can do to take care of the earth:

1. 1. Reducing the use of single-use plastic materials. These materials are very difficult to decompose and often end up in landfills. Replacing the use of plastic bags with reusable shopping bags or bringing your own water bottles are examples of things you can do.
   2. Maintain air quality. Humans can reduce air pollution by using environmentally friendly transportation, such as walking or cycling, or using electric vehicles.
   3. Save energy. Humans can reduce electricity and energy use by turning off electronic equipment when not in use and choosing energy-efficient electrical equipment.
   4. Protect the natural environment. Humans can help preserve the natural environment by disposing of waste in its place, not disposing of hazardous waste, and helping to protect forests and soil from being damaged.
   5. Reducing the use of fossil fuels. Humans can choose to use public transportation or electric cars, and choose renewable energy such as solar and wind.
   6. Maintain biodiversity. Humans can help protect biodiversity by not dumping hazardous waste into the sea or rivers, not buying products from protected animals, and not dumping trash in areas prone to forest fires.

In taking action to care for the earth, humans can also join communities or organizations that have the same goal of fighting for environmental welfare. By taking positive actions, humans can help preserve the earth and pass it on to future generations.

What are the small things that humans can do individually to take care of the earth?

There are many small things that individuals can do to take care of the earth. Here are some examples:

1. 1. Reducing water use: We can start by turning off the faucet when not in use, taking shorter showers, and collecting rainwater for reuse.
   2. Reduce electricity use: Turn off electronic equipment when not in use, use energy-efficient lamps, and consider using solar panels.
   3. Minimize use of private vehicles: Try walking or cycling whenever possible, using public transportation, or sharing vehicles with others.
   4. Reducing waste: Using cloth shopping bags, avoiding single-use plastic bags, and sorting waste properly.
   5. Plant trees: Planting trees in your yard or around your neighborhood can help reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
   6. Reducing meat consumption: Reducing meat consumption or changing the diet to vegetarian or vegan can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
   7. Repairing items: Repairing damaged items instead of buying new ones can help reduce waste and resource consumption.
   8. Using environmentally friendly products: Using environmentally friendly products such as recyclable packaging, organic products, and products that are produced responsibly can help minimize the negative impact on the environment.
   9. Save water and energy: Using water- and energy-efficient appliances, such as water-saving showerheads and energy-efficient air conditioners, can help save resources.
   10. Raise awareness: Disseminate information about how to protect the environment to others and become an example for others to take environmentally friendly actions.

These small actions, though simple, can have a big impact if done consistently and widely.

If humans do the above, what is the quickest impact that will be obtained?

If humans really take action to care for the earth, the most immediate impact that can be obtained is an increase in air quality and a decrease in pollution. This is because actions such as planting more trees, reducing the use of fossil fuels, and improving waste management systems can help reduce emissions of carbon and other pollutants. In a relatively short time, we can see that the air is cleaner and fresher, and the earth’s temperature tends to decrease. However, it is important to remember that major changes to the natural environment take a long time to occur. Some positive impacts may be seen in the next few years, but long-term impacts such as restoring damaged ecosystems and reducing global warming rates may take decades or even hundreds of years. Therefore, efforts to care for the earth must be considered as a long-term investment and be carried out consistently and continuously.

Closing

In this modern era, the increasingly high demands of life often make us forget the importance of protecting and caring for the earth as our home. However, as responsible humans, we can make various efforts to help maintain the sustainability of the earth and its ecosystem. From small things like reducing single-use plastic use, saving energy, and recycling, to choosing to eat organic food and reducing meat consumption, all of these actions can have a big impact on the environment. In addition, we can also choose to support pro-environmental government policies and join environmental communities that share the same vision and mission. Changing our way of life is not easy, but with high awareness and consistent action, we can help improve the condition of the earth and maintain our survival. Let’s together, as responsible human beings, take care of the earth and maintain environmental sustainability for a better future!