BRYMO'S TAKE

What would happen if humans suddenly disappeared from Earth? The History Channel’s special Life After People delves into this intriguing question, offering a detailed analysis of how nature would reclaim the planet and the legacy humans would leave behind. Within hours of human extinction, most power plants shut down. Fossil-fuel-based plants fail due to fuel supply disruptions, while nuclear plants automatically enter safe shutdown mode. The once-bright cities plunge into darkness. Without human intervention, underground water pumps in cities like New York fail, leading to rapid flooding of subway tunnels within 36 hours. Millions of gallons of groundwater reclaim the underground infrastructure, submerging transportation networks. With no one to restock stores or care for pets, food in supermarkets rots, and domestic animals face starvation. Only the most adaptable species, such as feral dogs and cats, stand a chance of survival. Meanwhile, rodents—highly dependent on human waste—struggle to find food, leading to population declines.

As human structures degrade, wildlife reclaims urban landscapes. Predators like wolves, coyotes, and big cats begin to repopulate abandoned cities, establishing new ecological balances. Without maintenance, roads crack, bridges corrode, and vines engulf buildings. Within a few decades, forests start reclaiming urban landscapes, turning cities into overgrown ruins. The world’s most iconic landmarks deteriorate over time. The Brooklyn Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge collapse due to corrosion. Skyscrapers like the Empire State Building rust and weaken, eventually crumbling. The Hoover Dam lasts longer, thanks to its robust construction, but erosion takes its toll over centuries. Only the most durable structures—like Mount Rushmore—endure the test of time.

Uncontrolled fires consume wooden structures, accelerating urban decay. Meanwhile, rising sea levels submerge low-lying cities like Amsterdam and London, leaving behind only submerged ruins. With humans gone, evolution takes a new course. Cockroaches, pigeons, and feral cats continue thriving, adapting to new ecosystems. Meanwhile, marine life sees a resurgence, as overfishing ceases and oceans regain biodiversity. Books, digital media, and even physical records deteriorate. Within centuries, most traces of human knowledge vanish, leaving only stone structures as silent testaments to civilization.

70% of U.S. power comes from fossil fuels, meaning a near-instant blackout post-humanity. 13 million gallons of groundwater flood New York subways every day, overtaking tunnels within 36 hours. 400 million dogs exist worldwide, but only a fraction would survive without human food. 25 years later, forests overgrow cities, and oceans recover from pollution. 500 years post-humanity, most concrete buildings collapse, leaving only stone relics behind.

How would different climates affect the rate of city decay? Which animals are most likely to evolve into dominant species? Could another intelligent species emerge to replace humans? The Life After People documentary offers a fascinating, yet sobering, look at Earth without humans. It highlights the impermanence of human civilization and the resilience of nature. As we consider our impact on the planet, this exploration serves as a reminder of both our vulnerability and our responsibility to preserve the world we call home.