TED-Ed: What would happen if every human suddenly disappeared? - Dan Kwartler

The video explores the hypothetical scenario of human disappearance and its impact on Earth. Initially, infrastructure fails, leading to fires and power outages. Over time, nature reclaims urban areas, and biodiversity shifts as plants and animals adapt. The Earth's climate gradually recovers from human-induced changes, but human artifacts persist for millions of years. The video suggests that understanding a world without humans can offer insights into our current impact on the planet.

What is the primary question posed at the beginning of the video?

• How can humans reduce their impact on Earth?

• What would happen if all humans suddenly vanished?

• How do humans adapt to different environments?

• Why is human settlement important for Earth?

What happens to oil refineries shortly after humans disappear?

• They continue to operate normally.

• They shut down safely.

• They are taken over by animals.

• They malfunction and cause fires.

How long does it take for urban tunnels to flood after human disappearance?

• One day

• Three days

• One week

• One month

What happens to skyscrapers within 200 winters after humans disappear?

• They remain standing.

• They are preserved by nature.

• They buckle and collapse.

• They are taken over by plants.

Which plant is mentioned as overgrowing the banks of London's Thames River?

• Chinese Atlantis trees

• Poisonous giant hogweed

• Water hyacinth

• Bamboo

What is the fate of most domesticated animals without humans?

• They become extinct immediately.

• They thrive in the wild.

• They form new species.

• They struggle to survive.

How long does it take for CO2 levels to return to pre-human levels?

• 1 million years

• 100,000 years

• 65,000 years

• 35,000 years