What will happen if we're gone?

It's a mere coincidence that I read this book just after the end-of-the-world craze last year. This book talks about what would happen to our planet if the human race was to suddenly disappear from the face of the earth.


The obvious thinking would be that Earth would return to how it was before human started making tools and create fire; that after a few thousand years, Earth would become a pristine planet again; animals will be free to roam, plants free to grow; that Earth has finally rid of its "human disease".

However, things may not go as smoothly as the general public would think. While plants and animals will take over places such as cities and towns, overwhelming whatever that could indicate the presence of human, our effects towards the planet may continue for millions of years. For example, nuclear radiation and poisoning from nuclear power plants and nuclear waste disposal areas that require human care and maintenance to keep it safe. Once humans are gone, the radiation and poisoning will continue to affect life near and far for millions of years.

Things won't just "go back to normal" after we're gone, and it definitely won't be as long as we're still here. While the book presents possible scenarios of what would happen to the planet if we're gone, it also tells us that we should be doing something to help the planet and stop destroying our home planet.