life after people

Something that I saw on tv yesterday.. it's quite interesting, really. It speculates on what will happen if humans suddenly disappear from the face of the earth, and left everything behind; ie. buildings, pets etc.

It depicts scenarios on what's possible at 150 years after people are gone, 250 years, 500 years, 1000 years and 10000 years...

The gist goes something like after humans are gone long enough, mother nature will regenerate herself and claim what was once hers... Fishes in the sea will flourish once again, without humans fishing and reducing its numbers, or polluting the seas. Plants, trees will reclaim our land where once our buildings, bridges and structures stood.

Structures made out of steel will corrode and fail over time. Cement will also corrode as the cement that we use in modern days is not as strong or compact as olden days. In fact, not many man-made structures (except Great Wall of China, or Hoover Dam) that we have in our 21st century that can withstand the harshness of time.

Imagine all those steel structures built like 100 years ago.. the governments need to spend money to reinforce it or to paint it to prevent corrosion.. so things tht we build now, we need to further spend money to make it last a little longer...

Our data stored in digital format on discs, will also disappear over time. Ancient people uses clay/stone tablets and these are preserved even after thousands of years... none of our modern day technologies seem to be able to replicate that strength.

Our domesticated pets, will now rely on their animal instincts to survive. High rise buildings, will provide a new habitat, that is elevated to new heights. Vines are speculated to be able to grow and if those plants produces flowers, then small animals will move in and this in turn will attract bigger animals, as there will be an abundance of food supply in this elevated food chain... Animals will adapt to their needs.

In a way, I felt it was pretty bleak but at the same time optimistic as there will still be life, after people...

ps: if interested, can go to youtube and search 'life after people'