What would happen if every human suddenly disappeared? - Dan Kwartler
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In addition to investigating ancient (and possibly future) flora and fauna, Weisman deeply explores humanity’s impact on the planet, and how long it takes for earth to return to its pre-human state. The book touches on everything from radioactive incidents, the ecological impacts of embalmed corpses, and the chemical byproducts of the global flower trade. He also discusses the effect of agriculture on the planet, and how quickly earth incorporates our endeavors into its own systems. In fact, this last theme is perhaps the most compelling part of his investigation. As a reader, one truly begins to feel that earth is invincible. Not that we shouldn’t take care of it, or that our actions don’t harm the planet. But given enough time, the planet’s vast networks of interconnected systems always seem to reach homeostasis – with or without us.
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