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What would happen?
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If every human being on earth
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Disappeared?
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At some point in the future,
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This could be the fate
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Of our planet.
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This isn't the story
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Of how we might vanish.
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It is the story of what happens
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To the world we leave behind.
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The disappearance of humans
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May seem like science fiction,
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But eventually,
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There will come a day like this;
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A day when people
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No longer walk the earth.
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it's no great stretch
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To imagine humans disappearing
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From the face of the earth.
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Every generation has its tales
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Of Armageddon or apocalypse.
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We're the first generation
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That could,
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By deliberate actions,
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Cause its own doom.
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What will life be like
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After people?
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We're tantalized by our myths
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About our own destruction,
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But also tantalized
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By the notion,
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"hey, maybe it's the turn
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Of someone else."
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What will they do
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If we're gone?
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What will the earth do
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When I'm gone?
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It's the most natural question
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In the world.
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Time has run out for man.
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Our hold on the planet is over.
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Welcome to earth,
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Population zero.
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Within hours after we're gone,
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Lights start going out
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Around the world.
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More than 70 percent of power
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In the United States
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Is generated by the burning
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Of fossil fuels.
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the plant will only continue
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To produce electricity
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As long as the fuel
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Takes to be consumed.
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If there's no one around
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To provide the new fuel
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Into the generating plant,
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Then it'll be quite quick
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Before the lights
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Start going out in cities
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All over the world.
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Nuclear power plants
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Are unlikely to melt down.
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The average reactor
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Holds enough fuel
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To keep running for two years.
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But without humans
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Consuming the power
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Generated by the plant,
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The reactors will automatically
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Shut down into a safe mode
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In as little as two days.
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even wind generation
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Can't last forever.
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The turbines require bearings
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And lubrication
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Of those bearings
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In order to keep operating.
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If there's no one around
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To maintain the turbines,
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The electricity
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Doesn't get produced.
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as generating plants go down,
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Outages on the power grid
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Contribute to a cascade
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Of failure worldwide.
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After a few weeks,
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The planet is plunged
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Into a deep darkness.
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It has not experienced
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Since humans first huddled
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Around campfires.
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Perhaps, the last glow
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Of artificial lights on earth
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Will be seen
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In the American southwest.
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Here, the mighty hover dam
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Hydropower plant
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Takes little notice
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Of the absence of humans.
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Its source of fuel
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Is virtually limitless.
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at hover dam,
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Our fuel supply
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Is actually the water
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In the reservoir in Lake Mead
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Behind hover dam,
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So as long as there's water
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In the reservoir,
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This power plant
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Can keep running.
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There's water in the reservoir
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Keeps supplying the water
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To the hydro turbine generators.
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These generators
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Are operating automatically
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And that would continue
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As long as all of the systems
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Are functioning normally.
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If I and my staff
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Were to leave tonight
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And not come back to hover dam,
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Say just in the condition
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Of the plant is in right now,
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This would continue operating
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Without us here.
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That would still be true
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After about a week,
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Several weeks, several months,
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Maybe even a couple of years,
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Everything would still be
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Running normally.
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In a life after people,
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It is possible that hover dam
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Would be one
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Of the last power plants
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Still running.
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as the power goes out
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Around the world,
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Other systems
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Are quickly beginning to fail.
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beneath all the major cities,
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There's a complex network
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Of underground tunnels,
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And these are there
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For drainage purposes
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Or for cabling purposes,
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And in the case
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Of the big cities,
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For transportation as well.
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There are many of those
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Sit below the level
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Of the water table,
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And in order to keep them dry,
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We have to have
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A system of pumps
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That is switched on
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When necessary
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To drain the tunnels.
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deep within new York
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City subways,
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More than 700 pumps
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Constantly struggle to keep out
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A flood of ground water,
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An average of 13 million gallons
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A day.
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now, if all these people
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Were not around,
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There will be nobody
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To switch the pumps on.
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It's estimated,
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That the tunnels will fill
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With water in about 36 hours.
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back above ground,
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Food is rotting
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On supermarket shelves.
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Home refrigerators
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Become nothing more
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Than cabinets for decaying food,
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But melt water
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From defrosting freezers
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May provide a temporary lifeline
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For some of the creatures
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We've left behind.
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What will be the fate
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Of our family pets
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Once there are no humans left
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To care for them?
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Right from the get-go,
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There's going to be a massive
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Die off of dogs.
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The instance that humans
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Are gone,
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They're not creating the debris
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Or producing the food
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That the dogs are living on.
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He can't open cans,
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He can't get
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In the refrigerator.
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They got to get
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Out of the house.
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The family dog
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Has got to get out of the house
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Or he's going to die there.
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And once he gets out,
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He's got to go
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To some source of food.
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The first thing that happens
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Is that they all jump out
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Of the windows
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And they are now out there
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In a new landscape.
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And the first to whack at it
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It is that they go back
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To scavenging a whole bunch
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Of dead things out there
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In the world.
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there are estimated to be
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Four hundred million dogs
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In the world
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And 300 different breeds.
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But very few of them are suited
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To surviving in a life
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After humans.
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The smallest dogs
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Probably won't last a week
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Without us.
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there's probably no niche
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For the smaller dogs.
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Dogs are very competitive
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And when you have wolves,
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They displace coyotes,
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Coyotes displace foxes,
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And we would assume
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That hierarchy would prevail
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Among domestic dogs.
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in fact,
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Many of the unique features
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That has been bred into dogs
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Over the years
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Will now become major handicaps
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In the fight for survival.
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there are dog
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For the really short legs,
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I think the dogs
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With the really short faces
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Or long faces, I think,
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That they're all doomed.
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You know, they're not
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Going to move well,
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They're not going to be able
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To search and explore.
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I think that the kind of
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The middle of the spectrum,
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The kind of average dog,
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Have the best chances in this.
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I think that they will survive
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In the long haul,
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But it's not going to be pretty.
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as the surviving dogs
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Struggle to find
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Their new niche,
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Household pests
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Are slowly beginning to notice
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Our absence.
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Little creatures,
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Rats and house mice,
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They would seem to be able
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To exist without us
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Are surprisingly quite dependent
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On our food supplies.
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rats and mice
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Are usually termed
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"commensally rodents," which means
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That term means literally
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Sharing the table.
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They're very dependent
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On people.
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And the little house mouse
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And Norway rat
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Are great examples of animals
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That would do less well
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In the absence of people.
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in the initial weeks
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After people are gone,
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They will raid pantries
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In homes, in grocery shelves
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In stores.
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After eating through
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These food supplies,
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They will struggle to survive
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00:11:53,668 --> 00:11:55,800
On things like cardboard, cloth,
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Or glue.
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I think that if a city
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Was abandoned,
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The rats would have to go back
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To earning an honest living.
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00:12:05,201 --> 00:12:06,100
An honest living
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00:12:06,100 --> 00:12:09,634
Means to go back to the wild
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00:12:09,634 --> 00:12:13,234
And compete for resources there.
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00:12:13,234 --> 00:12:14,367
eventually, these rodents
302
00:12:14,367 --> 00:12:15,568
Will abandon homes
303
00:12:15,568 --> 00:12:18,733
And buildings,
304
00:12:18,733 --> 00:12:19,568
Which will make them
305
00:12:19,568 --> 00:12:25,201
Easy pickings for predators.
306
00:12:25,201 --> 00:12:26,067
Although, rats and mice
307
00:12:26,067 --> 00:12:27,167
Will mostly likely survive
308
00:12:27,167 --> 00:12:28,301
In the future,
309
00:12:28,301 --> 00:12:28,967
Their numbers
310
00:12:28,967 --> 00:12:37,568
Will be greatly diminished.
311
00:12:37,568 --> 00:12:38,733
After six months
312
00:12:38,733 --> 00:12:42,434
Into a life after people,
313
00:12:42,434 --> 00:12:42,900
Urban areas
314
00:12:42,900 --> 00:12:44,967
Are already taking a turn
315
00:12:44,967 --> 00:12:47,334
For the wild.
316
00:12:47,334 --> 00:12:48,800
the predators would return
317
00:12:48,800 --> 00:12:49,967
Very quickly in the absence
318
00:12:49,967 --> 00:12:52,401
Of humans
319
00:12:52,401 --> 00:12:53,800
Because we suppress them,
320
00:12:53,800 --> 00:12:55,167
We create conditions
321
00:12:55,167 --> 00:12:56,934
That either work against them,
322
00:12:56,934 --> 00:12:58,467
Or we deliberately go out,
323
00:12:58,467 --> 00:13:00,833
And remove and destroy them.
324
00:13:00,833 --> 00:13:01,700
They would come back
325
00:13:01,700 --> 00:13:04,668
Very quickly.
326
00:13:04,668 --> 00:13:05,534
smaller predators
327
00:13:05,534 --> 00:13:07,201
Like coyotes and bobcats
328
00:13:07,201 --> 00:13:08,601
Always survive on the fringe
329
00:13:08,601 --> 00:13:11,000
Of human populations.
330
00:13:11,000 --> 00:13:12,668
They are the first to colonize
331
00:13:12,668 --> 00:13:17,267
Our abandoned neighborhoods.
332
00:13:17,267 --> 00:13:18,067
Larger carnivores
333
00:13:18,067 --> 00:13:19,401
Will have to wait longer
334
00:13:19,401 --> 00:13:20,167
For the habitat
335
00:13:20,167 --> 00:13:21,034
To recover enough
336
00:13:21,034 --> 00:13:23,800
To support their appetites.
337
00:13:23,800 --> 00:13:25,700
But soon enough, they, too,
338
00:13:25,700 --> 00:13:26,800
Will hunt in what
339
00:13:26,800 --> 00:13:31,833
Were once our backyards.
340
00:13:40,167 --> 00:13:41,800
One year into a life
341
00:13:41,800 --> 00:13:43,301
After people,
342
00:13:43,301 --> 00:13:44,301
Towns and cities
343
00:13:44,301 --> 00:13:46,601
Are still recognizable.
344
00:13:46,601 --> 00:13:47,167
But nature
345
00:13:47,167 --> 00:13:48,900
Is beginning to reclaim
346
00:13:48,900 --> 00:13:52,967
Her old turf.
347
00:13:52,967 --> 00:13:53,700
one of the first
348
00:13:53,700 --> 00:13:55,000
Great physical effects
349
00:13:55,000 --> 00:13:56,634
In the absence of people
350
00:13:56,700 --> 00:13:58,668
Would be the transition
351
00:13:58,668 --> 00:14:00,634
Of the impervious surfaces:
352
00:14:00,634 --> 00:14:01,467
The parking lots, the roads
353
00:14:01,467 --> 00:14:04,668
Into places that supported
354
00:14:04,668 --> 00:14:06,301
And then had an abundance
355
00:14:06,301 --> 00:14:09,334
Of plant life.
356
00:14:09,467 --> 00:14:09,833
any place
357
00:14:09,833 --> 00:14:11,100
Where you have sunlight
358
00:14:11,100 --> 00:14:13,668
That's hitting,
359
00:14:13,668 --> 00:14:14,301
You're probably going to get
360
00:14:14,301 --> 00:14:16,000
Some plant growth.
361
00:14:16,067 --> 00:14:16,534
Little seeds
362
00:14:16,534 --> 00:14:17,201
Are going to get stuck
363
00:14:17,201 --> 00:14:18,833
In the cracks and so forth,
364
00:14:18,833 --> 00:14:19,301
And these things
365
00:14:19,301 --> 00:14:23,334
Are all going to start to creep.
366
00:14:23,467 --> 00:14:25,668
Plants are wonderful that way.
367
00:14:25,668 --> 00:14:27,301
They can destroy things
368
00:14:27,301 --> 00:14:29,601
In matters of, you know,
369
00:14:29,601 --> 00:14:37,568
A few years.
370
00:14:37,568 --> 00:14:38,201
without humans
371
00:14:38,201 --> 00:14:39,833
To remove them,
372
00:14:39,833 --> 00:14:41,534
Weeds like dandelions
373
00:14:41,534 --> 00:14:43,034
Infiltrate every crack
374
00:14:43,034 --> 00:14:46,401
In the pavement.
375
00:14:46,401 --> 00:14:47,867
As these weeds die,
376
00:14:47,867 --> 00:14:49,067
Their remnants combine
377
00:14:49,067 --> 00:14:50,601
With ever-spreading moss
378
00:14:50,601 --> 00:14:52,167
And lichen
379
00:14:52,167 --> 00:14:58,668
To create a layer of topsoil.
380
00:14:58,668 --> 00:14:59,733
This sandy soil
381
00:14:59,733 --> 00:15:02,501
Is poor in nutrients,
382
00:15:02,501 --> 00:15:04,668
So only plants like clover
383
00:15:04,668 --> 00:15:05,733
That can pull nitrogen
384
00:15:05,733 --> 00:15:07,234
From the air
385
00:15:07,234 --> 00:15:11,301
Flourish at first.
386
00:15:11,301 --> 00:15:13,167
Formerly manicured yards
387
00:15:13,167 --> 00:15:16,534
Morph into fields
388
00:15:16,534 --> 00:15:17,967
For a white-tailed deer
389
00:15:17,967 --> 00:15:22,234
Forage for food.
390
00:15:22,234 --> 00:15:24,034
Wild animals have also begun
391
00:15:24,034 --> 00:15:24,967
To find their way
392
00:15:24,967 --> 00:15:33,833
Into abandoned cities.
393
00:15:33,833 --> 00:15:35,700
Man's supposed domination
394
00:15:35,700 --> 00:15:36,833
Over nature
395
00:15:36,833 --> 00:15:40,034
Has proven to be quite tenuous.
396
00:15:40,034 --> 00:15:41,934
The signs of our vulnerability
397
00:15:41,934 --> 00:15:45,867
Have always been there.
398
00:15:45,934 --> 00:15:48,201
this is an ailanthus tree.
399
00:15:48,201 --> 00:15:50,334
It seems to enjoy rooting itself
400
00:15:50,334 --> 00:15:52,934
In very inhospitable locations.
401
00:15:52,934 --> 00:15:54,267
And it likes to attach itself
402
00:15:54,267 --> 00:15:55,934
To crevices in buildings.
403
00:15:56,067 --> 00:15:57,067
And when it does so,
404
00:15:57,067 --> 00:15:58,401
It causes damage.
405
00:15:58,401 --> 00:15:59,668
The roots expand,
406
00:15:59,668 --> 00:16:02,301
And the expansive forces of that
407
00:16:02,301 --> 00:16:03,767
Force out mortar
408
00:16:03,767 --> 00:16:05,568
And stone and cause crumbling
409
00:16:05,568 --> 00:16:06,568
Of a facade.
410
00:16:06,568 --> 00:16:07,668
If you get a lot of this
411
00:16:07,668 --> 00:16:09,167
On an entire building facade,
412
00:16:09,167 --> 00:16:10,334
It could cause
413
00:16:10,334 --> 00:16:17,700
Major, major damage.
414
00:16:17,700 --> 00:16:20,000
as nature battles back,
415
00:16:20,000 --> 00:16:21,733
Even manmade goliaths
416
00:16:21,733 --> 00:16:22,967
Like hover dam
417
00:16:22,967 --> 00:16:26,401
Aren't invincible.
418
00:16:26,401 --> 00:16:27,234
To harness the power
419
00:16:27,234 --> 00:16:28,434
Of this river
420
00:16:28,434 --> 00:16:31,434
Took 21,000 men and five years
421
00:16:31,434 --> 00:16:36,067
Of hard labor.
422
00:16:36,067 --> 00:16:38,000
But one year after people,
423
00:16:38,000 --> 00:16:40,634
Its 17 massive and seemingly
424
00:16:40,634 --> 00:16:42,833
Indestructible generators
425
00:16:42,833 --> 00:16:43,833
Are about to be brought down
426
00:16:43,833 --> 00:16:45,401
By an organism
427
00:16:45,401 --> 00:16:52,800
The size of a human thumbnail.
428
00:16:52,800 --> 00:16:54,067
The lake above the dam
429
00:16:54,067 --> 00:16:55,000
Is infested
430
00:16:55,000 --> 00:16:56,267
With an invasive species
431
00:16:56,267 --> 00:16:57,167
Of mollusk
432
00:16:57,167 --> 00:17:00,900
Called the "quake mussel."
433
00:17:00,900 --> 00:17:02,134
This stealthy invader
434
00:17:02,134 --> 00:17:03,100
From Eastern Europe
435
00:17:03,100 --> 00:17:04,733
Had no natural predators
436
00:17:04,733 --> 00:17:06,401
In North America
437
00:17:06,401 --> 00:17:07,934
Other than the humans tasked
438
00:17:07,934 --> 00:17:09,534
With scraping it from the grates
439
00:17:09,534 --> 00:17:12,467
And pipes it colonizes.
440
00:17:12,534 --> 00:17:14,067
the mussels attach themselves
441
00:17:14,067 --> 00:17:18,301
To the inside wall of pipes
442
00:17:18,301 --> 00:17:19,867
And they're very prolific.
443
00:17:19,867 --> 00:17:20,800
They colonize
444
00:17:20,800 --> 00:17:22,167
And rapidly build up
445
00:17:22,167 --> 00:17:23,267
And can grow
446
00:17:23,267 --> 00:17:25,833
On top of each other,
447
00:17:25,967 --> 00:17:28,534
And eventually completely block
448
00:17:28,534 --> 00:17:40,134
The diameter of a pipe.
449
00:17:40,134 --> 00:17:41,000
the small pipes
450
00:17:41,000 --> 00:17:42,334
That brings cooling water
451
00:17:42,334 --> 00:17:44,301
To hover dam's generators
452
00:17:44,301 --> 00:17:45,234
Make perfect homes
453
00:17:45,234 --> 00:17:47,167
For these creatures.
454
00:17:47,167 --> 00:17:48,301
And with no people around
455
00:17:48,301 --> 00:17:49,733
To remove them,
456
00:17:49,733 --> 00:17:52,867
They spread like a cancer.
457
00:17:52,867 --> 00:17:53,467
and in fact,
458
00:17:53,467 --> 00:17:55,434
Those mussels could clog up
459
00:17:55,434 --> 00:17:57,967
The cooling water pipes,
460
00:17:57,967 --> 00:17:58,367
To the point
461
00:17:58,367 --> 00:18:00,000
Where we couldn't keep
462
00:18:00,000 --> 00:18:09,833
These generators cool anymore.
463
00:18:09,833 --> 00:18:11,000
And it would cause
464
00:18:11,000 --> 00:18:12,401
The high temperature alarm
465
00:18:12,401 --> 00:18:15,601
In the automatic control system.
466
00:18:15,601 --> 00:18:16,568
And that automatic
467
00:18:16,568 --> 00:18:17,501
Control system
468
00:18:17,501 --> 00:18:18,467
Would then start
469
00:18:18,467 --> 00:18:19,934
The shutdown sequence
470
00:18:19,934 --> 00:18:23,000
Of that generator.
471
00:18:23,000 --> 00:18:24,000
Well, that would happen
472
00:18:24,000 --> 00:18:24,833
One by one
473
00:18:24,833 --> 00:18:25,934
For all of the generators
474
00:18:25,934 --> 00:18:26,700
Of hover dam,
475
00:18:26,700 --> 00:18:27,234
And eventually
476
00:18:27,234 --> 00:18:28,201
The entire power plant
477
00:18:28,201 --> 00:18:31,601
Would be shut down.
478
00:18:31,601 --> 00:18:33,000
in lass Vegas,
479
00:18:33,000 --> 00:18:33,967
The last glimmers
480
00:18:33,967 --> 00:18:36,301
Of manmade light on earth
481
00:18:36,301 --> 00:18:37,634
Relinquish the night
482
00:18:37,634 --> 00:18:41,501
To its primeval blackness.
483
00:18:41,501 --> 00:18:42,167
With the generators
484
00:18:42,167 --> 00:18:43,900
No longer running,
485
00:18:43,900 --> 00:18:44,833
No water at all
486
00:18:44,833 --> 00:18:51,000
Is passing through hover dam.
487
00:18:51,000 --> 00:18:52,067
And the Colorado River
488
00:18:52,067 --> 00:18:58,401
Downstream begins to run dry.
489
00:18:58,401 --> 00:19:00,367
On the other side of the dam,
490
00:19:00,367 --> 00:19:02,967
The water has nowhere to go
491
00:19:02,967 --> 00:19:06,568
And Lake Mead starts to rise.
492
00:19:06,568 --> 00:19:07,134
it would just keep
493
00:19:07,134 --> 00:19:10,034
Building up in Lake Mead.
494
00:19:10,034 --> 00:19:10,733
And it would eventually
495
00:19:10,733 --> 00:19:11,301
Gets to the point
496
00:19:11,301 --> 00:19:12,634
Of spilling over
497
00:19:12,634 --> 00:19:13,501
Through the spillways
498
00:19:13,501 --> 00:19:18,900
On either side of the dam.
499
00:19:18,900 --> 00:19:20,067
unchecked,
500
00:19:20,067 --> 00:19:22,067
Nature's most powerful elements
501
00:19:22,067 --> 00:19:23,601
Reclaim their supremacy
502
00:19:23,601 --> 00:19:27,800
On earth.
503
00:19:27,800 --> 00:19:30,000
Triggered by lightning strikes,
504
00:19:30,000 --> 00:19:30,668
The wildfires
505
00:19:30,668 --> 00:19:32,201
Those humans once battled
506
00:19:32,201 --> 00:19:33,501
So valiantly
507
00:19:33,501 --> 00:19:43,134
Now rage unchecked.
508
00:19:43,134 --> 00:19:44,301
Cities and neighborhoods
509
00:19:44,301 --> 00:19:46,034
Full of abandoned buildings,
510
00:19:46,034 --> 00:19:48,267
Wild grasses, and debris
511
00:19:48,267 --> 00:19:59,234
Is prime fuel for the flames.
512
00:19:59,234 --> 00:20:04,568
Chicago burns.
513
00:20:04,568 --> 00:20:05,434
San Francisco
514
00:20:05,434 --> 00:20:07,900
Stately wooden Victorians
515
00:20:07,900 --> 00:20:14,568
Are now only useful as kindling.
516
00:20:14,568 --> 00:20:15,568
And just as it did
517
00:20:15,568 --> 00:20:17,501
In the time of the ancients,
518
00:20:17,501 --> 00:20:23,668
Rome is burning again.
519
00:20:23,668 --> 00:20:24,467
As structures
520
00:20:24,467 --> 00:20:26,167
Burn to the ground,
521
00:20:26,167 --> 00:20:26,967
Charred timbers
522
00:20:26,967 --> 00:20:29,201
Release nutrients into the soil,
523
00:20:29,201 --> 00:20:30,267
Providing the next wave
524
00:20:30,267 --> 00:20:31,601
Of plant life,
525
00:20:31,601 --> 00:20:32,167
With the nitrogen
526
00:20:32,167 --> 00:20:35,100
It needs to grow
527
00:20:35,100 --> 00:20:50,267
And thrive.
528
00:20:50,267 --> 00:20:52,434
Five years after people,
529
00:20:52,434 --> 00:20:53,467
The roads of the world
530
00:20:53,467 --> 00:20:54,401
Are disappearing
531
00:20:54,401 --> 00:20:55,934
Beneath a green map
532
00:20:55,934 --> 00:20:56,534
That spreads
533
00:20:56,534 --> 00:21:01,800
Like some relentless monster.
534
00:21:01,800 --> 00:21:02,934
The advance of nature
535
00:21:02,934 --> 00:21:05,800
Knows no boundaries.
536
00:21:05,800 --> 00:21:06,234
The gates
537
00:21:06,234 --> 00:21:08,100
Of London's Buckingham palace
538
00:21:08,100 --> 00:21:09,800
Are easily breached by vines
539
00:21:09,800 --> 00:21:12,401
And moss.
540
00:21:12,401 --> 00:21:14,367
In Moscow, red square
541
00:21:14,367 --> 00:21:17,534
Is becoming very green.
542
00:21:17,601 --> 00:21:18,034
in reality,
543
00:21:18,034 --> 00:21:19,334
Nature will reclaim earth
544
00:21:19,334 --> 00:21:21,934
Very quickly.
545
00:21:22,067 --> 00:21:22,967
These stairs were cleared
546
00:21:22,967 --> 00:21:25,201
18 months ago.
547
00:21:25,201 --> 00:21:25,668
If we came back
548
00:21:25,668 --> 00:21:26,833
In another 18 months,
549
00:21:26,833 --> 00:21:27,634
We'd have a hard time
550
00:21:27,634 --> 00:21:29,967
Finding them.
551
00:21:29,967 --> 00:21:31,201
If we came back in five years,
552
00:21:31,201 --> 00:21:32,367
It would be almost impossible
553
00:21:32,367 --> 00:21:34,634
To find.
554
00:21:34,634 --> 00:21:36,501
man's mastery over nature
555
00:21:36,501 --> 00:21:37,167
Has always been
556
00:21:37,167 --> 00:21:42,034
Just an illusion.
557
00:21:42,034 --> 00:21:43,201
When the Cambodian city
558
00:21:43,201 --> 00:21:44,100
Of Angkor
559
00:21:44,100 --> 00:21:45,668
And its temple complexes
560
00:21:45,668 --> 00:21:48,401
Were abandoned in 15th century,
561
00:21:48,401 --> 00:21:49,467
Jungle trees grew
562
00:21:49,467 --> 00:21:50,833
Indiscriminately
563
00:21:50,833 --> 00:21:52,601
Over its stone structures.
564
00:21:52,601 --> 00:22:00,833
Entangling them in their roots.
565
00:22:00,833 --> 00:22:03,067
Now, without armies of gardeners
566
00:22:03,067 --> 00:22:04,534
And repairmen,
567
00:22:04,534 --> 00:22:06,301
Modern cities are laid bare
568
00:22:06,301 --> 00:22:10,867
To nature's revenge.
569
00:22:10,867 --> 00:22:12,700
In New York's central park,
570
00:22:12,700 --> 00:22:14,700
The great lawns, now untended,
571
00:22:14,700 --> 00:22:18,800
Sprout with saplings.
572
00:22:18,800 --> 00:22:20,733
Five years without humans
573
00:22:20,733 --> 00:22:21,401
Leaves the park
574
00:22:21,401 --> 00:22:25,134
Looking more like a forest.
575
00:22:25,134 --> 00:22:29,134
central park will go bananas.
576
00:22:29,134 --> 00:22:30,201
So all of a sudden
577
00:22:30,201 --> 00:22:30,967
You'll get trees,
578
00:22:30,967 --> 00:22:33,934
You'll get growth.
579
00:22:33,934 --> 00:22:35,668
All the animals and plants
580
00:22:35,668 --> 00:22:38,000
That is there now will go up
581
00:22:38,000 --> 00:22:39,367
In population levels
582
00:22:39,367 --> 00:22:40,668
And they'll start to spread out
583
00:22:40,668 --> 00:22:45,767
Into the city.
584
00:22:45,767 --> 00:22:46,800
the story is the same
585
00:22:46,800 --> 00:22:50,367
In Washington DC
586
00:22:50,367 --> 00:22:51,134
The great monuments
587
00:22:51,134 --> 00:22:57,434
Have been swallowed by greenery.
588
00:22:57,434 --> 00:22:58,334
And on what used to be
589
00:22:58,334 --> 00:23:01,301
The national mall,
590
00:23:01,301 --> 00:23:02,568
The sounds of the jungle
591
00:23:02,568 --> 00:23:04,201
Are echoing.
592
00:23:04,201 --> 00:23:04,833
zoo animals
593
00:23:04,833 --> 00:23:10,134
Are really the great unknown.
594
00:23:10,134 --> 00:23:11,201
Depending on whether or not
595
00:23:11,201 --> 00:23:12,634
They could escape
596
00:23:12,634 --> 00:23:13,601
From their confinement,
597
00:23:13,601 --> 00:23:15,967
Then things change dramatically
598
00:23:15,967 --> 00:23:17,501
Because you might have lions,
599
00:23:17,501 --> 00:23:18,900
You might have tigers;
600
00:23:18,900 --> 00:23:19,601
Both of which
601
00:23:19,601 --> 00:23:21,000
Would be perfectly capable
602
00:23:21,000 --> 00:23:22,067
Of surviving
603
00:23:22,067 --> 00:23:27,967
In a post-human period.
604
00:23:27,967 --> 00:23:29,568
They'd do better further south
605
00:23:29,568 --> 00:23:30,100
Than they would do
606
00:23:30,100 --> 00:23:32,000
in Washington DC
607
00:23:32,000 --> 00:23:33,467
But these are animals
608
00:23:33,467 --> 00:23:34,668
That is perfectly capable
609
00:23:34,668 --> 00:23:36,100
Of figuring out how to do it
610
00:23:36,100 --> 00:23:38,501
And how to survive.
611
00:23:38,501 --> 00:23:39,201
zoo animals
612
00:23:39,201 --> 00:23:41,234
May be the great unknown
613
00:23:41,234 --> 00:23:41,867
But there are things
614
00:23:41,867 --> 00:23:43,267
We can know for sure
615
00:23:43,267 --> 00:23:44,867
About life 20 years
616
00:23:44,867 --> 00:23:50,601
After people are gone
617
00:23:50,601 --> 00:23:51,934
Because there's one spot
618
00:23:51,934 --> 00:23:53,601
On the globe
619
00:23:53,601 --> 00:23:58,668
Where it's already happened.
620
00:24:19,800 --> 00:24:20,667
it's 20 years
621
00:24:20,667 --> 00:24:26,434
Into a life after people.
622
00:24:26,434 --> 00:24:27,000
Without humans
623
00:24:27,000 --> 00:24:28,733
To apply fresh paint
624
00:24:28,733 --> 00:24:30,534
And fill in cracks,
625
00:24:30,534 --> 00:24:31,767
Even concrete buildings
626
00:24:31,767 --> 00:24:36,401
Have already begun to crumble.
627
00:24:36,401 --> 00:24:37,967
Lack of maintenance turns cities
628
00:24:37,967 --> 00:24:45,434
Into eerie ghost towns.
629
00:24:45,434 --> 00:24:46,967
Animals that have long avoided
630
00:24:46,967 --> 00:24:48,867
Human population centers
631
00:24:48,867 --> 00:24:50,667
Now return to make new homes
632
00:24:50,667 --> 00:24:57,134
Among the decaying walls.
633
00:24:57,134 --> 00:24:59,367
How do we know this?
634
00:24:59,367 --> 00:25:00,201
Because there's one place
635
00:25:00,201 --> 00:25:01,700
In the world
636
00:25:01,700 --> 00:25:08,334
Where it's already happened.
637
00:25:08,401 --> 00:25:08,867
we're standing
638
00:25:08,867 --> 00:25:10,501
In the central square
639
00:25:10,501 --> 00:25:12,534
Of Pripjat, Ukraine,
640
00:25:12,534 --> 00:25:13,568
The city that was once
641
00:25:13,568 --> 00:25:15,468
The most modern city
642
00:25:15,468 --> 00:25:20,434
In the former Soviet Union.
643
00:25:22,800 --> 00:25:24,301
For 20 years now,
644
00:25:24,301 --> 00:25:25,034
This city
645
00:25:25,034 --> 00:25:26,967
Has been sitting abandoned,
646
00:25:26,967 --> 00:25:28,434
And it really gives you
647
00:25:28,434 --> 00:25:31,067
A picture of what would happen
648
00:25:31,067 --> 00:25:32,733
If people are removed
649
00:25:32,733 --> 00:25:33,534
From a place
650
00:25:33,534 --> 00:25:42,534
Of normal civilization.
651
00:25:42,534 --> 00:25:43,667
evacuated after
652
00:25:43,667 --> 00:25:46,667
The Chernobyl nuclear disaster,
653
00:25:46,667 --> 00:25:47,301
Pripjat went
654
00:25:47,301 --> 00:25:52,633
From a city of 50,000
655
00:25:52,633 --> 00:26:07,367
To ghost town overnight.
656
00:26:07,367 --> 00:26:09,501
Dust-covered school rooms remain
657
00:26:09,501 --> 00:26:10,667
As students left them
658
00:26:10,667 --> 00:26:23,234
Just over 20 years ago.
659
00:26:23,234 --> 00:26:25,401
Vegetation pries apart masonry
660
00:26:25,401 --> 00:26:34,401
As it crawls over buildings.
661
00:26:34,401 --> 00:26:35,600
An amusement park
662
00:26:35,600 --> 00:26:36,600
Scheduled to open
663
00:26:36,600 --> 00:26:38,000
Four days after the date
664
00:26:38,000 --> 00:26:39,534
Of the accident
665
00:26:39,534 --> 00:26:47,267
Remains never used.
666
00:26:47,267 --> 00:26:48,600
The park's ferries wheel
667
00:26:48,600 --> 00:26:50,201
Accumulates rust
668
00:26:50,201 --> 00:27:06,568
Rather than riders.
669
00:27:06,568 --> 00:27:08,267
The bumper cars sit in a state
670
00:27:08,267 --> 00:27:16,167
Of motionless decay.
671
00:27:16,167 --> 00:27:17,934
Pripjat has provided an amazing
672
00:27:17,934 --> 00:27:19,700
And rare opportunity
673
00:27:19,700 --> 00:27:20,367
To see what happens
674
00:27:20,367 --> 00:27:22,034
To a manmade city
675
00:27:22,034 --> 00:27:29,633
When humans disappear.
676
00:27:29,633 --> 00:27:30,101
I can see
677
00:27:30,101 --> 00:27:31,301
From my Geiger counter
678
00:27:31,301 --> 00:27:32,468
That it's really quite safe
679
00:27:32,468 --> 00:27:33,468
To be here,
680
00:27:33,468 --> 00:27:34,267
Radiation levels
681
00:27:34,267 --> 00:27:37,600
Were not very high.
682
00:27:37,600 --> 00:27:38,600
But you can see
683
00:27:38,600 --> 00:27:39,468
That we've really hit
684
00:27:39,468 --> 00:27:40,934
A point of no return
685
00:27:40,934 --> 00:27:48,501
In recapturing these facilities.
686
00:27:48,501 --> 00:27:49,334
We're in what was
687
00:27:49,334 --> 00:27:51,434
The cultural center
688
00:27:51,434 --> 00:27:53,501
Of the city of Pripjat.
689
00:27:53,501 --> 00:27:54,633
And indeed, this was a place
690
00:27:54,633 --> 00:27:56,134
Where friends gathered,
691
00:27:56,134 --> 00:27:58,301
Where there would be
692
00:27:58,301 --> 00:27:59,501
Celebrations,
693
00:27:59,501 --> 00:28:01,167
There would be balls,
694
00:28:01,167 --> 00:28:02,234
There would be music,
695
00:28:02,234 --> 00:28:03,967
There would be dancing,
696
00:28:03,967 --> 00:28:05,067
There would be performing
697
00:28:05,067 --> 00:28:10,501
On the stage here behind me.
698
00:28:10,501 --> 00:28:12,733
But after 20 years,
699
00:28:12,733 --> 00:28:14,034
The forces of nature
700
00:28:14,034 --> 00:28:14,967
Have started to decay
701
00:28:14,967 --> 00:28:18,501
This facility.
702
00:28:18,501 --> 00:28:20,301
this concrete soviet facade
703
00:28:20,301 --> 00:28:22,434
May look imposing
704
00:28:22,434 --> 00:28:23,134
But it's no match
705
00:28:23,134 --> 00:28:26,434
For the frigid Ukrainian winters.
706
00:28:26,434 --> 00:28:27,367
As the temperature drops
707
00:28:27,367 --> 00:28:28,834
Below freezing,
708
00:28:28,834 --> 00:28:30,067
Water that has accumulated
709
00:28:30,067 --> 00:28:32,267
In cracks, expands,
710
00:28:32,267 --> 00:28:33,633
Exerting bursting pressure
711
00:28:33,633 --> 00:28:35,034
That pulls apart
712
00:28:35,034 --> 00:28:37,401
The masonry.
713
00:28:37,401 --> 00:28:39,600
As vegetation grows unchecked,
714
00:28:39,600 --> 00:28:40,367
The roots spread
715
00:28:40,367 --> 00:28:43,434
Through foundations and stairs.
716
00:28:43,434 --> 00:28:45,201
These roots suck in moisture
717
00:28:45,201 --> 00:28:48,934
That makes them expand and grow.
718
00:28:48,934 --> 00:28:51,568
Like miniature hydraulic jacks,
719
00:28:51,568 --> 00:28:52,468
Over time,
720
00:28:52,468 --> 00:28:54,234
They slowly push apart
721
00:28:54,234 --> 00:29:00,101
The concrete.
722
00:29:00,101 --> 00:29:03,301
this is only 20 years.
723
00:29:03,301 --> 00:29:03,967
Can you imagine
724
00:29:03,967 --> 00:29:04,967
What this facility
725
00:29:04,967 --> 00:29:13,434
Will look like after 200 years?
726
00:29:13,434 --> 00:29:14,700
after the accident,
727
00:29:14,700 --> 00:29:16,501
Scientists expected the worst
728
00:29:16,501 --> 00:29:19,167
For the wildlife in the region.
729
00:29:19,167 --> 00:29:19,967
Most of the trees
730
00:29:19,967 --> 00:29:22,101
In a 1 1/2 square mile area
731
00:29:22,101 --> 00:29:23,534
Around the nuclear plant
732
00:29:23,534 --> 00:29:26,434
Were killed off by radiation.
733
00:29:26,434 --> 00:29:29,867
Many animals died.
734
00:29:29,867 --> 00:29:31,900
But incredibly, the effect
735
00:29:31,900 --> 00:29:33,568
Of the absence of humans
736
00:29:33,568 --> 00:29:36,034
For 20 years has outweighed
737
00:29:36,034 --> 00:29:37,101
The initial damage
738
00:29:37,101 --> 00:29:44,434
Caused by the nuclear nightmare.
739
00:29:44,434 --> 00:29:46,101
this is the red forest,
740
00:29:46,101 --> 00:29:46,967
An area
741
00:29:46,967 --> 00:29:48,401
That was horribly impacted
742
00:29:48,401 --> 00:29:51,101
By radioactivity
743
00:29:51,101 --> 00:29:55,034
Due to the Chernobyl explosion.
744
00:29:55,034 --> 00:29:56,201
And the trees that you see
745
00:29:56,201 --> 00:29:57,867
Around me were killed
746
00:29:57,867 --> 00:30:02,000
By the radioactivity.
747
00:30:02,000 --> 00:30:03,167
The original amounts
748
00:30:03,167 --> 00:30:05,301
Of radioactivity were sufficient
749
00:30:05,301 --> 00:30:06,667
To kill all of the wildlife
750
00:30:06,667 --> 00:30:12,000
In the region as well.
751
00:30:12,000 --> 00:30:13,301
But now we see resurgence
752
00:30:13,301 --> 00:30:22,234
Of the wildlife.
753
00:30:22,234 --> 00:30:24,000
As an example of how wildlife
754
00:30:24,000 --> 00:30:26,267
Has prospered here,
755
00:30:26,267 --> 00:30:28,067
We see, here, we have an antler
756
00:30:28,067 --> 00:30:30,034
From a red deer and, obviously,
757
00:30:30,034 --> 00:30:31,067
A fairly large
758
00:30:31,067 --> 00:30:35,633
And healthy red deer.
759
00:30:35,633 --> 00:30:36,834
Red deer are hardly found
760
00:30:36,834 --> 00:30:38,568
In any other areas
761
00:30:38,568 --> 00:30:39,434
In this region
762
00:30:39,434 --> 00:30:41,334
And the Chernobyl zone
763
00:30:41,334 --> 00:30:42,167
Is the only place
764
00:30:42,167 --> 00:30:44,167
That you'll find populations
765
00:30:44,167 --> 00:30:47,834
Of red deer.
766
00:30:47,834 --> 00:30:49,867
We also find Russian wild boars
767
00:30:49,867 --> 00:30:51,934
That the populations in the zone
768
00:30:51,934 --> 00:30:53,967
Are 10 to 15 times higher
769
00:30:53,967 --> 00:30:55,101
Than they are outside
770
00:30:55,101 --> 00:31:04,101
Of the zone.
771
00:31:05,134 --> 00:31:06,234
we're now at the kindergarten
772
00:31:06,234 --> 00:31:08,334
Of Karachi village, not far
773
00:31:08,334 --> 00:31:10,134
From the Chernobyl station.
774
00:31:10,134 --> 00:31:11,434
Children were living here
775
00:31:11,434 --> 00:31:13,267
While their parents worked.
776
00:31:13,267 --> 00:31:14,201
But after that night
777
00:31:14,201 --> 00:31:16,034
In April 1986,
778
00:31:16,034 --> 00:31:20,501
They never returned.
779
00:31:23,067 --> 00:31:24,800
We are in what was formerly
780
00:31:24,800 --> 00:31:26,633
A bedroom in this kindergarten
781
00:31:26,633 --> 00:31:27,767
Where children used to sleep
782
00:31:27,767 --> 00:31:30,733
And rest.
783
00:31:30,733 --> 00:31:31,134
Now, there's
784
00:31:31,134 --> 00:31:34,167
Certain emptiness here.
785
00:31:34,167 --> 00:31:36,234
All these windows are broken.
786
00:31:36,234 --> 00:31:37,201
But the room continues
787
00:31:37,201 --> 00:31:42,267
To live on.
788
00:31:42,267 --> 00:31:42,767
Birds fly in here
789
00:31:42,767 --> 00:31:45,034
And sit on these bars.
790
00:31:45,034 --> 00:31:46,201
We even found evidence
791
00:31:46,201 --> 00:31:48,267
That an owl comes here.
792
00:31:48,267 --> 00:31:50,334
An owl, it regurgitates food,
793
00:31:50,334 --> 00:31:54,167
Fur, bones, and feathers.
794
00:31:54,167 --> 00:31:55,534
Evidently, it likes to sit here
795
00:31:55,534 --> 00:31:57,134
On this window pane.
796
00:31:57,134 --> 00:31:58,568
So this room continues
797
00:31:58,568 --> 00:32:12,767
To maintain life.
798
00:32:12,767 --> 00:32:14,201
Even trees which had proven
799
00:32:14,201 --> 00:32:15,667
Especially vulnerable
800
00:32:15,667 --> 00:32:17,733
To radioactive fallout.
801
00:32:17,733 --> 00:32:19,234
Are finding new homes
802
00:32:19,234 --> 00:32:26,101
In the evacuation zone.
803
00:32:26,167 --> 00:32:26,667
I'm sitting
804
00:32:26,667 --> 00:32:28,568
In the Pripjat soccer stadium
805
00:32:28,568 --> 00:32:30,000
Where, 20 years ago,
806
00:32:30,000 --> 00:32:31,201
Hundreds of people would come
807
00:32:31,201 --> 00:32:31,767
And cheer
808
00:32:31,767 --> 00:32:36,301
On their favorite team.
809
00:32:38,468 --> 00:32:39,633
You can imagine the laughter
810
00:32:39,633 --> 00:32:40,334
Of the sounds
811
00:32:40,334 --> 00:32:43,700
Of the crowds here.
812
00:32:43,700 --> 00:32:45,401
The activity on the field
813
00:32:45,401 --> 00:32:47,334
Which, 20 years later,
814
00:32:47,334 --> 00:32:58,501
Is barely discernable.
815
00:32:58,501 --> 00:33:00,000
The soccer field now is going
816
00:33:00,000 --> 00:33:01,034
Through succession
817
00:33:01,034 --> 00:33:02,934
As you would expect in returning
818
00:33:02,934 --> 00:33:05,101
To what it was originally
819
00:33:05,101 --> 00:33:06,367
Hundreds of years ago
820
00:33:06,367 --> 00:33:07,167
Which was a mixed
821
00:33:07,167 --> 00:33:15,600
Deciduous forest.
822
00:33:15,600 --> 00:33:16,733
I grew up in a town
823
00:33:16,733 --> 00:33:18,301
About like this
824
00:33:18,301 --> 00:33:19,600
And I used to enjoy
825
00:33:19,600 --> 00:33:22,134
Riding bumper cars like these
826
00:33:22,134 --> 00:33:24,967
About a half a world away.
827
00:33:24,967 --> 00:33:26,534
And it seems pretty sad
828
00:33:26,534 --> 00:33:27,501
When you look now
829
00:33:27,501 --> 00:33:28,600
And you see what's become
830
00:33:28,600 --> 00:33:29,867
Of this beautiful city
831
00:33:29,867 --> 00:33:31,967
Of Pripjat and that people
832
00:33:31,967 --> 00:33:41,600
Will never live here again.
833
00:33:41,600 --> 00:33:42,367
But there's another side
834
00:33:42,367 --> 00:33:43,633
To this story,
835
00:33:43,633 --> 00:33:45,667
A very encouraging side;
836
00:33:45,667 --> 00:33:47,600
One that says that life
837
00:33:47,600 --> 00:33:49,234
Is much more resilient
838
00:33:49,234 --> 00:33:51,367
Than what we thought possible.
839
00:33:51,367 --> 00:33:54,101
That in the absence of man,
840
00:33:54,101 --> 00:33:55,733
That life will continue
841
00:33:55,733 --> 00:33:57,600
And that life will thrive
842
00:33:57,600 --> 00:34:01,867
And that the legacy of life
843
00:34:01,867 --> 00:34:03,501
Will always be here,
844
00:34:03,501 --> 00:34:06,367
Because we are a part of life.
845
00:34:06,367 --> 00:34:08,167
Even if we disappear,
846
00:34:08,167 --> 00:34:09,234
Our legacy of life
847
00:34:09,234 --> 00:34:10,800
Will continue.
848
00:34:45,066 --> 00:34:47,665
Through decaying neighborhoods
849
00:34:47,665 --> 00:34:53,732
In search of their next meal.
850
00:34:53,732 --> 00:34:54,999
In some of the great cities
851
00:34:54,999 --> 00:34:56,366
Of the world,
852
00:34:56,366 --> 00:34:57,966
Solid ground is getting harder
853
00:34:57,966 --> 00:35:02,399
To find.
854
00:35:02,399 --> 00:35:04,032
In the time of humans,
855
00:35:04,032 --> 00:35:05,133
London was protected
856
00:35:05,133 --> 00:35:06,500
From tidal surges
857
00:35:06,500 --> 00:35:09,032
By 10 retractable steel gates
858
00:35:09,032 --> 00:35:09,765
That could be raised
859
00:35:09,765 --> 00:35:11,566
During storms to seal off
860
00:35:11,566 --> 00:35:12,699
The Thames River
861
00:35:12,699 --> 00:35:16,832
From the North Sea.
862
00:35:16,832 --> 00:35:17,600
Without humans
863
00:35:17,600 --> 00:35:20,233
To operate the barrier,
864
00:35:20,233 --> 00:35:28,199
London is defenseless.
865
00:35:28,199 --> 00:35:30,333
Another low-lying city,
866
00:35:30,333 --> 00:35:31,466
Amsterdam,
867
00:35:31,466 --> 00:35:46,699
Meets the same watery fate.
868
00:35:46,699 --> 00:35:49,399
In a New York City high rise,
869
00:35:49,399 --> 00:35:50,899
Some windows have already
870
00:35:50,899 --> 00:35:53,233
Cracked and slipped loose
871
00:35:53,233 --> 00:35:56,899
From their frames and many more
872
00:35:56,899 --> 00:36:01,133
Are on the verge of destruction.
873
00:36:01,133 --> 00:36:02,333
After a quarter century
874
00:36:02,333 --> 00:36:03,899
Of exposure to moisture
875
00:36:03,899 --> 00:36:06,333
And heat without maintenance,
876
00:36:06,333 --> 00:36:07,765
The normally flexible window
877
00:36:07,765 --> 00:36:09,866
Sealant has become rigid,
878
00:36:09,866 --> 00:36:10,932
Locking this window
879
00:36:10,932 --> 00:36:13,266
To its frame.
880
00:36:13,266 --> 00:36:14,799
As the metal frame expands
881
00:36:14,799 --> 00:36:16,333
And contracts with changes
882
00:36:16,333 --> 00:36:18,999
In temperature,
883
00:36:18,999 --> 00:36:19,999
It induces stresses
884
00:36:19,999 --> 00:36:21,466
On the glass.
885
00:36:21,466 --> 00:36:23,133
It cracks and plummets
886
00:36:23,133 --> 00:36:27,999
To the sidewalk below.
887
00:36:28,066 --> 00:36:29,665
after a few of the windows
888
00:36:29,665 --> 00:36:31,133
Fall out of a building
889
00:36:31,133 --> 00:36:32,199
Like this,
890
00:36:32,199 --> 00:36:33,899
Then the wind pressure effect
891
00:36:33,899 --> 00:36:35,266
Changes dramatically.
892
00:36:35,399 --> 00:36:36,732
As well as external pressure
893
00:36:36,732 --> 00:36:37,899
Coming on to the building,
894
00:36:37,899 --> 00:36:39,366
You also get suction.
895
00:36:39,366 --> 00:36:40,765
And that aggravates the problem
896
00:36:40,765 --> 00:36:42,333
So more of the panels
897
00:36:42,333 --> 00:36:47,765
Are likely to fall out.
898
00:36:47,765 --> 00:36:48,999
through these gaping holes,
899
00:36:48,999 --> 00:36:49,966
The building fills
900
00:36:49,966 --> 00:36:57,566
With windswept debris.
901
00:36:57,566 --> 00:37:02,665
A summer storm rolls in.
902
00:37:02,665 --> 00:37:04,199
On top of the structure,
903
00:37:04,199 --> 00:37:05,632
The copper-lightning deterrent
904
00:37:05,632 --> 00:37:07,166
System that once protected
905
00:37:07,166 --> 00:37:09,066
Thousands of office workers
906
00:37:09,066 --> 00:37:17,632
Is now corroded and useless.
907
00:37:17,632 --> 00:37:19,299
A lightning bolt turns the tower
908
00:37:19,299 --> 00:37:34,333
Into a raging inferno.
909
00:37:34,333 --> 00:37:35,665
The gutted building makes
910
00:37:35,665 --> 00:37:36,866
The perfect home
911
00:37:36,866 --> 00:37:44,399
For a surprising survivor.
912
00:37:44,399 --> 00:37:45,533
Although pigeons once relied
913
00:37:45,533 --> 00:37:48,966
On the handouts of humans,
914
00:37:48,966 --> 00:37:50,433
They have done just fine
915
00:37:50,433 --> 00:37:55,799
In 25 years without us.
916
00:37:55,799 --> 00:37:57,799
pigeons are survivors.
917
00:37:57,799 --> 00:37:58,632
They can live in the wild;
918
00:37:58,632 --> 00:38:00,500
They do live in the wild still.
919
00:38:00,566 --> 00:38:02,433
And in a period
920
00:38:02,433 --> 00:38:03,932
Where there were no people
921
00:38:03,932 --> 00:38:05,765
But there still were edifices
922
00:38:05,765 --> 00:38:07,600
And artifacts, our buildings,
923
00:38:07,732 --> 00:38:08,632
They would do very well
924
00:38:08,632 --> 00:38:10,032
Because they would adopt these
925
00:38:10,032 --> 00:38:10,732
As kind of
926
00:38:10,732 --> 00:38:12,133
Artificial cliff faces,
927
00:38:12,133 --> 00:38:13,133
Which is what they really are
928
00:38:13,133 --> 00:38:17,399
Adapted to.
929
00:38:17,399 --> 00:38:22,032
like the pigeon,
930
00:38:22,032 --> 00:38:23,266
The disappearance of humans
931
00:38:23,266 --> 00:38:24,665
Forced a change in the habits
932
00:38:24,665 --> 00:38:28,066
Of the lowly cockroach.
933
00:38:28,133 --> 00:38:30,133
think of the poor cockroach
934
00:38:30,133 --> 00:38:30,966
After they gorge
935
00:38:30,966 --> 00:38:32,600
Upon our surplus
936
00:38:32,600 --> 00:38:35,032
When we're gone,
937
00:38:35,032 --> 00:38:37,233
They'll mourn us.
938
00:38:37,366 --> 00:38:38,799
They'll be sorry.
939
00:38:38,799 --> 00:38:40,133
but the morning won't last
940
00:38:40,133 --> 00:38:42,665
For long.
941
00:38:42,665 --> 00:38:43,799
While cockroaches thrived
942
00:38:43,799 --> 00:38:45,399
On our scraps,
943
00:38:45,399 --> 00:38:47,333
They can also eat bookbinding's,
944
00:38:47,333 --> 00:38:49,166
And cardboard,
945
00:38:49,166 --> 00:38:51,066
And any rotting organic matter
946
00:38:51,066 --> 00:38:55,099
Including dead leaves and roots.
947
00:38:55,099 --> 00:38:57,099
While food isn't a problem,
948
00:38:57,099 --> 00:39:00,099
Roaches also need warmth;
949
00:39:00,099 --> 00:39:00,999
The kind that humans
950
00:39:00,999 --> 00:39:02,233
Had always supplied
951
00:39:02,233 --> 00:39:06,732
Through artificial heat.
952
00:39:06,732 --> 00:39:07,732
Cockroaches started
953
00:39:07,732 --> 00:39:10,166
As a tropical species
954
00:39:10,166 --> 00:39:11,233
And some experts say
955
00:39:11,233 --> 00:39:12,732
They couldn't survive the winter
956
00:39:12,732 --> 00:39:16,533
In colder cities.
957
00:39:16,533 --> 00:39:17,366
But it's hard to bet
958
00:39:17,366 --> 00:39:18,832
Against a creature that has seen
959
00:39:18,832 --> 00:39:22,433
The dinosaurs come and go.
960
00:39:22,433 --> 00:39:23,266
cockroaches are
961
00:39:23,266 --> 00:39:25,066
Extremely adaptable.
962
00:39:25,066 --> 00:39:25,632
They've been around
963
00:39:25,632 --> 00:39:26,966
For 300 million years.
964
00:39:26,966 --> 00:39:27,665
If I have to bet,
965
00:39:27,665 --> 00:39:28,765
I'd put my money on them
966
00:39:28,765 --> 00:39:29,866
Being able to survive
967
00:39:29,866 --> 00:39:35,732
In one form or another.
968
00:39:35,732 --> 00:39:36,466
the first winter
969
00:39:36,466 --> 00:39:38,066
After humans did witness
970
00:39:38,066 --> 00:39:41,699
The die-off of some cockroaches,
971
00:39:41,699 --> 00:39:43,366
But many more moved underground
972
00:39:43,366 --> 00:39:44,899
To find warmth until
973
00:39:44,899 --> 00:39:49,732
Milder temperatures returned.
974
00:39:49,732 --> 00:39:51,600
In an abandoned downtown
975
00:39:51,600 --> 00:39:53,533
Devoid of insecticides,
976
00:39:53,533 --> 00:39:55,233
Overrun by vegetation
977
00:39:55,233 --> 00:39:58,133
And with a rising water table,
978
00:39:58,133 --> 00:40:00,233
This former pest is now enjoying
979
00:40:00,233 --> 00:40:11,500
A golden age.
980
00:40:11,500 --> 00:40:13,032
Cockroaches were only a nuisance
981
00:40:13,032 --> 00:40:16,999
To humans,
982
00:40:16,999 --> 00:40:23,066
But wolves were a terror.
983
00:40:23,066 --> 00:40:25,866
So man hunted them mercilessly.
984
00:40:25,866 --> 00:40:27,500
When the first European settlers
985
00:40:27,500 --> 00:40:28,600
Arrived in what is now
986
00:40:28,600 --> 00:40:30,333
The United States,
987
00:40:30,333 --> 00:40:31,500
It's believed nearly half
988
00:40:31,500 --> 00:40:32,600
A million wolves roamed
989
00:40:32,600 --> 00:40:35,166
The country side.
990
00:40:35,166 --> 00:40:36,799
By the 20th century,
991
00:40:36,799 --> 00:40:37,632
These predators
992
00:40:37,632 --> 00:40:38,966
Were nearly extinct
993
00:40:38,966 --> 00:40:42,899
In the lower 48 states.
994
00:40:42,899 --> 00:40:44,500
Now, with no humans left
995
00:40:44,500 --> 00:40:45,866
To battle them,
996
00:40:45,866 --> 00:40:47,533
Wolf populations multiply
997
00:40:47,533 --> 00:40:50,899
By as much six times each year.
998
00:40:50,899 --> 00:40:51,932
Within 25 years
999
00:40:51,932 --> 00:40:53,533
Of our disappearance,
1000
00:40:53,533 --> 00:40:54,932
There could easily be half
1001
00:40:54,932 --> 00:40:56,133
A million of them roaming
1002
00:40:56,133 --> 00:41:02,999
The united states again.
1003
00:41:02,999 --> 00:41:04,399
This amazing comeback
1004
00:41:04,399 --> 00:41:05,166
Has been seen
1005
00:41:05,166 --> 00:41:08,699
On a small scale before.
1006
00:41:08,699 --> 00:41:11,966
In 1995, biologists released
1007
00:41:11,966 --> 00:41:13,399
A few dozen wolves
1008
00:41:13,399 --> 00:41:14,366
Within the boundaries
1009
00:41:14,366 --> 00:41:18,266
Of yellow stone national park;
1010
00:41:18,266 --> 00:41:18,899
A place
1011
00:41:18,899 --> 00:41:19,799
Where they would be protected
1012
00:41:19,799 --> 00:41:32,333
From persecution by humans.
1013
00:41:32,333 --> 00:41:33,433
Within a decade,
1014
00:41:33,433 --> 00:41:34,932
A few dozen had multiplied
1015
00:41:34,932 --> 00:41:37,665
Into 1,500
1016
00:41:37,665 --> 00:41:38,299
And the wolves
1017
00:41:38,299 --> 00:41:39,099
Quickly spread out
1018
00:41:39,099 --> 00:41:40,699
From their release point
1019
00:41:40,699 --> 00:41:41,932
To occupy territory
1020
00:41:41,932 --> 00:41:42,765
Throughout the states
1021
00:41:42,765 --> 00:41:50,399
Of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.
1022
00:41:50,399 --> 00:41:51,632
it would be fast
1023
00:41:51,632 --> 00:41:52,433
If you can start
1024
00:41:52,433 --> 00:41:53,899
With just a few dozen wolves
1025
00:41:53,899 --> 00:41:55,466
And in the course of one decade,
1026
00:41:55,466 --> 00:41:57,765
Have a population of 1,500
1027
00:41:57,765 --> 00:41:58,366
And you could have
1028
00:41:58,366 --> 00:41:59,866
A geographic expansion
1029
00:41:59,932 --> 00:42:01,466
Where they filled up a big chunk
1030
00:42:01,466 --> 00:42:02,765
Of a three-state area.
1031
00:42:02,765 --> 00:42:03,299
And these are
1032
00:42:03,299 --> 00:42:04,765
Big western states.
1033
00:42:04,765 --> 00:42:05,665
Yeah, when the conditions
1034
00:42:05,665 --> 00:42:06,366
Are right,
1035
00:42:06,366 --> 00:42:07,233
They can re-colonize
1036
00:42:07,233 --> 00:42:10,732
Pretty rapidly.
1037
00:42:10,866 --> 00:42:12,133
Could we see them in Manhattan?
1038
00:42:12,133 --> 00:42:15,133
Or Chicago?
1039
00:42:15,133 --> 00:42:16,566
As soon as the deer get there,
1040
00:42:16,566 --> 00:42:17,366
The wolves will be right
1041
00:42:17,366 --> 00:42:25,966
Behind them.
1042
00:42:25,966 --> 00:42:26,699
animals haven't
1043
00:42:26,699 --> 00:42:28,799
Just been hunted by humans;
1044
00:42:28,799 --> 00:42:38,600
They've also been hemmed in.
1045
00:42:38,600 --> 00:42:39,866
There are roughly three million
1046
00:42:39,866 --> 00:42:41,333
Miles of paved road
1047
00:42:41,333 --> 00:42:46,399
In the united states alone.
1048
00:42:46,399 --> 00:42:47,799
And it's no coincidence
1049
00:42:47,799 --> 00:42:48,899
That many of them cut
1050
00:42:48,899 --> 00:42:50,099
Right through the paths
1051
00:42:50,099 --> 00:42:51,999
Animals use to get from place
1052
00:42:51,999 --> 00:42:54,799
To place.
1053
00:42:54,799 --> 00:42:55,632
the things that make
1054
00:42:55,632 --> 00:42:56,433
A landscape good
1055
00:42:56,433 --> 00:42:58,832
For animal movement
1056
00:42:58,832 --> 00:43:00,133
Also make it easy to engineer
1057
00:43:00,133 --> 00:43:04,066
A road in that location.
1058
00:43:04,066 --> 00:43:05,866
So, we've cut off pretty much
1059
00:43:05,866 --> 00:43:07,066
All major migrations
1060
00:43:07,066 --> 00:43:12,632
In North America.
1061
00:43:12,632 --> 00:43:14,066
asphalt and automobiles
1062
00:43:14,066 --> 00:43:15,765
Wreaked particular havoc
1063
00:43:15,765 --> 00:43:24,333
On the grizzly bear.
1064
00:43:24,333 --> 00:43:24,999
Their habitat
1065
00:43:24,999 --> 00:43:27,765
Was so carved up by roads
1066
00:43:27,765 --> 00:43:28,433
That they're confined
1067
00:43:28,433 --> 00:43:30,966
To isolated pockets,
1068
00:43:30,966 --> 00:43:31,533
Cutting them off
1069
00:43:31,533 --> 00:43:32,832
From food sources
1070
00:43:32,832 --> 00:43:41,233
And potential mates.
1071
00:43:41,233 --> 00:43:43,600
In a life after humans,
1072
00:43:43,600 --> 00:43:45,299
Roads are no longer barriers
1073
00:43:45,299 --> 00:43:47,632
For the grizzly.
1074
00:43:47,632 --> 00:43:50,366
Instead they are pathways;
1075
00:43:50,366 --> 00:43:51,500
Trails that lead them back
1076
00:43:51,500 --> 00:43:52,433
Into the heart
1077
00:43:52,433 --> 00:44:04,899
Of their former range.
1078
00:44:04,899 --> 00:44:08,133
forty years after people.
1079
00:44:08,133 --> 00:44:09,366
While cities of steel
1080
00:44:09,366 --> 00:44:10,199
And concrete
1081
00:44:10,199 --> 00:44:13,500
Are still standing tall,
1082
00:44:13,500 --> 00:44:18,166
The suburbs are under attack.
1083
00:44:18,166 --> 00:44:20,099
Roughly 90 percent of all homes
1084
00:44:20,099 --> 00:44:21,466
In the United States
1085
00:44:21,466 --> 00:44:24,765
Have wood frames.
1086
00:44:24,765 --> 00:44:30,600
While some have burned,
1087
00:44:30,600 --> 00:44:39,032
Others are now being devoured.
1088
00:44:39,032 --> 00:44:41,433
Without paint and preservatives,
1089
00:44:41,433 --> 00:44:42,466
The lumber of homes
1090
00:44:42,466 --> 00:44:46,932
Is defenseless against termites.
1091
00:44:46,932 --> 00:44:49,133
Termites feast on cellulose,
1092
00:44:49,133 --> 00:44:50,366
The basic building block
1093
00:44:50,366 --> 00:44:52,366
Of wood.
1094
00:44:52,366 --> 00:44:53,533
And their appetites
1095
00:44:53,533 --> 00:44:56,233
Are relentless.
1096
00:44:56,233 --> 00:44:57,399
Some colonies can eat
1097
00:44:57,399 --> 00:44:59,732
As much as 1,000 pounds of wood
1098
00:44:59,732 --> 00:45:04,932
Per year.
1099
00:45:04,932 --> 00:45:06,866
In this destructive advance,
1100
00:45:06,866 --> 00:45:07,566
The termites
1101
00:45:07,566 --> 00:45:09,333
Aren't working alone.
1102
00:45:09,333 --> 00:45:09,999
the process we know
1103
00:45:09,999 --> 00:45:11,333
As rotting will occur
1104
00:45:11,333 --> 00:45:12,566
When the wood gets exposed
1105
00:45:12,566 --> 00:45:15,233
To the elements.
1106
00:45:15,299 --> 00:45:16,500
And this rotting, actually,
1107
00:45:16,500 --> 00:45:18,799
Is a more complicated process.
1108
00:45:18,932 --> 00:45:20,166
It's a process by which microbes
1109
00:45:20,166 --> 00:45:21,233
Attack the wood
1110
00:45:21,233 --> 00:45:22,533
And release carbon dioxide
1111
00:45:22,533 --> 00:45:24,732
And methane to the atmosphere.
1112
00:45:24,732 --> 00:45:26,166
If humans were to leave,
1113
00:45:26,166 --> 00:45:27,099
It'd be a matter of decades
1114
00:45:27,099 --> 00:45:28,166
Before most structures
1115
00:45:28,166 --> 00:45:28,699
That had significant
1116
00:45:28,699 --> 00:45:29,765
Wood components
1117
00:45:29,765 --> 00:45:32,832
Would start to decay.
1118
00:45:32,832 --> 00:45:33,500
faced with
1119
00:45:33,500 --> 00:45:34,665
A two pronged attack
1120
00:45:34,665 --> 00:45:36,899
From termites and rot,
1121
00:45:36,899 --> 00:45:38,632
The beams that hold up the roof
1122
00:45:38,632 --> 00:45:41,233
Give way.
1123
00:45:41,233 --> 00:45:42,099
And the boundary
1124
00:45:42,099 --> 00:45:43,832
Between inside and out,
1125
00:45:43,832 --> 00:45:45,566
That had once been so important
1126
00:45:45,566 --> 00:45:46,399
To the humans
1127
00:45:46,399 --> 00:45:49,566
Who called this building home
1128
00:45:49,566 --> 00:45:53,533
Is forever erased.
1129
00:45:53,533 --> 00:45:54,399
other substances
1130
00:45:54,399 --> 00:45:55,500
Like this mortar and rock
1131
00:45:55,500 --> 00:45:56,899
Are going to last longer
1132
00:45:56,899 --> 00:45:58,266
Than several decades,
1133
00:45:58,266 --> 00:45:59,665
But they'll still crumble
1134
00:45:59,665 --> 00:46:00,765
After natural, chemical,
1135
00:46:00,765 --> 00:46:01,500
And physical weathering
1136
00:46:01,500 --> 00:46:02,366
Processes,
1137
00:46:02,366 --> 00:46:03,466
And eventually these walls
1138
00:46:03,466 --> 00:46:05,032
Will fall down as well,
1139
00:46:05,032 --> 00:46:10,199
And there'll be no remnants.
1140
00:46:10,199 --> 00:46:12,433
now, nature will act quickly
1141
00:46:12,433 --> 00:46:16,299
To swallow up these ruins.
1142
00:46:16,299 --> 00:46:17,433
This crumbling house
1143
00:46:17,433 --> 00:46:19,966
In Baltimore's druid hill park
1144
00:46:19,966 --> 00:46:21,533
Was once home to the caretaker
1145
00:46:21,533 --> 00:46:23,665
Of the city zoo.
1146
00:46:23,665 --> 00:46:24,466
it looks like this building
1147
00:46:24,466 --> 00:46:25,233
Has been abandoned
1148
00:46:25,233 --> 00:46:26,966
For more than a hundred years.
1149
00:46:26,966 --> 00:46:27,732
But in reality,
1150
00:46:27,732 --> 00:46:28,899
People have been living here
1151
00:46:28,899 --> 00:46:31,166
Up till 40 years ago.
1152
00:46:31,166 --> 00:46:32,066
It's amazing how quickly
1153
00:46:32,066 --> 00:46:33,932
The vegetation has reclaimed
1154
00:46:33,932 --> 00:46:34,732
The area.
1155
00:46:34,732 --> 00:46:36,333
The vines have started to climb
1156
00:46:36,333 --> 00:46:37,899
Up the walls.
1157
00:46:37,899 --> 00:46:38,732
The trees are growing
1158
00:46:38,732 --> 00:46:40,133
Into the structure,
1159
00:46:40,133 --> 00:46:41,166
And they're both physically
1160
00:46:41,166 --> 00:46:42,533
Pulling the structure apart,
1161
00:46:42,533 --> 00:46:46,699
And chemically dissolving it.
1162
00:46:46,699 --> 00:46:48,299
structures built entirely
1163
00:46:48,299 --> 00:46:49,765
Of stone or masonry
1164
00:46:49,765 --> 00:46:50,899
Will far outlive
1165
00:46:50,899 --> 00:46:54,366
Anything made of wood.
1166
00:46:54,366 --> 00:46:55,399
Exactly how fast
1167
00:46:55,399 --> 00:46:56,866
They will crumble depends
1168
00:46:56,866 --> 00:47:03,500
On their environment.
1169
00:47:03,566 --> 00:47:04,399
the coast of Maine, really,
1170
00:47:04,399 --> 00:47:07,333
Isn't very kind to buildings.
1171
00:47:07,333 --> 00:47:08,233
Structures out here
1172
00:47:08,233 --> 00:47:09,099
Don't so much decay
1173
00:47:09,099 --> 00:47:10,299
When you live them alone;
1174
00:47:10,299 --> 00:47:12,765
They melt.
1175
00:47:12,899 --> 00:47:13,566
these structures
1176
00:47:13,566 --> 00:47:15,399
On black island, Maine
1177
00:47:15,399 --> 00:47:16,266
Used to be part
1178
00:47:16,266 --> 00:47:18,399
Of granite quarry whose stone
1179
00:47:18,399 --> 00:47:19,932
Was used to build and decorate
1180
00:47:19,932 --> 00:47:22,099
Cities like Boston, New York,
1181
00:47:22,099 --> 00:47:25,899
And Philadelphia.
1182
00:47:25,899 --> 00:47:29,466
It was abandoned around 1920.
1183
00:47:29,466 --> 00:47:30,299
here, the buildings
1184
00:47:30,299 --> 00:47:31,032
Have all vanished
1185
00:47:31,032 --> 00:47:31,765
Within the space
1186
00:47:31,765 --> 00:47:33,932
Of 80 and 90 years.
1187
00:47:33,932 --> 00:47:39,999
There's almost nothing left.
1188
00:47:39,999 --> 00:47:41,600
in the right conditions
1189
00:47:41,600 --> 00:47:43,600
And with human maintenance,
1190
00:47:43,600 --> 00:47:45,166
Stone construction can last
1191
00:47:45,166 --> 00:47:49,266
For thousands of years.
1192
00:47:49,266 --> 00:47:51,166
In some places in Europe,
1193
00:47:51,166 --> 00:47:52,632
Ancient roman aqueducts
1194
00:47:52,632 --> 00:47:54,999
Are still in use.
1195
00:47:54,999 --> 00:47:56,832
But without maintenance,
1196
00:47:56,832 --> 00:47:58,600
Stone can fall victim
1197
00:47:58,600 --> 00:48:01,366
To a very stealthy enemy.
1198
00:48:01,433 --> 00:48:02,099
one of the great enemies
1199
00:48:02,099 --> 00:48:03,433
Of stone are actually salts
1200
00:48:03,433 --> 00:48:04,732
And salt crystals.
1201
00:48:04,732 --> 00:48:06,199
Even thousands of years ago,
1202
00:48:06,333 --> 00:48:07,466
People notice the effect
1203
00:48:07,466 --> 00:48:09,166
That salts had on deteriorating
1204
00:48:09,166 --> 00:48:13,832
The ancient pyramids.
1205
00:48:13,832 --> 00:48:14,932
there are many ways
1206
00:48:14,932 --> 00:48:17,066
Salts infiltrate stone buildings
1207
00:48:17,066 --> 00:48:18,500
And monuments:
1208
00:48:18,500 --> 00:48:21,032
Polluted air, seawater,
1209
00:48:21,032 --> 00:48:24,233
And even bird droppings.
1210
00:48:24,233 --> 00:48:25,266
soluble salts dissolve
1211
00:48:25,266 --> 00:48:25,999
In water,
1212
00:48:25,999 --> 00:48:27,133
And as the water evaporates,
1213
00:48:27,133 --> 00:48:28,966
It will rise up inside
1214
00:48:28,966 --> 00:48:30,665
Of porous building materials;
1215
00:48:30,665 --> 00:48:32,266
Things like brick and stone
1216
00:48:32,266 --> 00:48:33,466
And even concrete.
1217
00:48:33,466 --> 00:48:35,500
And what happen are the salts
1218
00:48:35,500 --> 00:48:36,665
Will continue to grow
1219
00:48:36,665 --> 00:48:38,999
Inside the pores of the stone
1220
00:48:38,999 --> 00:48:40,133
Until they come up
1221
00:48:40,133 --> 00:48:42,333
Against the side of the wall,
1222
00:48:42,333 --> 00:48:43,466
And they'll actually push
1223
00:48:43,466 --> 00:48:48,133
The stone apart.
1224
00:48:48,133 --> 00:48:48,765
what we're seeing
1225
00:48:48,765 --> 00:48:49,866
In this time-lapse video
1226
00:48:49,866 --> 00:48:51,466
Really shows the rapid decay
1227
00:48:51,466 --> 00:48:52,966
Of the stone in response
1228
00:48:52,966 --> 00:48:57,866
To this deterioration by salts.
1229
00:48:57,866 --> 00:48:58,732
In this experiment,
1230
00:48:58,732 --> 00:49:00,099
It took about three weeks to go
1231
00:49:00,099 --> 00:49:05,699
From this piece of stone
1232
00:49:05,699 --> 00:49:07,299
To this piece of stone,
1233
00:49:07,299 --> 00:49:09,333
Which is completely deteriorated
1234
00:49:09,333 --> 00:49:10,566
By sodium sulfate
1235
00:49:10,566 --> 00:49:12,166
Crystallization.
1236
00:49:12,166 --> 00:49:13,566
three weeks in this
1237
00:49:13,566 --> 00:49:16,099
Accelerated aging chamber
1238
00:49:16,099 --> 00:49:17,966
Are equivalent to a few years
1239
00:49:17,966 --> 00:49:20,399
In the harshest of environments,
1240
00:49:20,399 --> 00:49:22,299
Or a few decades in a more
1241
00:49:22,299 --> 00:49:24,600
Benign desert climate.
1242
00:49:24,600 --> 00:49:25,299
if we could see
1243
00:49:25,299 --> 00:49:26,433
Microscopically what's going on
1244
00:49:26,433 --> 00:49:28,732
Inside the pyramids,
1245
00:49:28,732 --> 00:49:29,333
This is what
1246
00:49:29,333 --> 00:49:30,233
Would be taking place.
1247
00:49:30,233 --> 00:49:31,299
You can actually see the salts
1248
00:49:31,299 --> 00:49:36,266
Deteriorate the stone.
1249
00:49:36,266 --> 00:49:38,732
although not immune to decay,
1250
00:49:38,732 --> 00:49:39,999
The pyramids have survived
1251
00:49:39,999 --> 00:49:42,466
For nearly 5,000 years
1252
00:49:42,466 --> 00:49:44,600
Because of their sheer volume
1253
00:49:44,600 --> 00:49:45,399
And their hot,
1254
00:49:45,399 --> 00:49:48,299
Dry desert environment.
1255
00:49:48,299 --> 00:49:49,966
Too massive to be destroyed
1256
00:49:49,966 --> 00:49:52,899
By either man or nature,
1257
00:49:52,899 --> 00:49:54,233
The pyramids of Giza
1258
00:49:54,233 --> 00:49:55,366
Were the only one
1259
00:49:55,366 --> 00:49:56,600
Of the seven wonders
1260
00:49:56,600 --> 00:49:58,932
Of the ancient world to survive
1261
00:49:58,932 --> 00:50:01,299
Into the modern era.
1262
00:50:01,299 --> 00:50:02,832
Many ancient monuments
1263
00:50:02,832 --> 00:50:03,932
Have survived only
1264
00:50:03,932 --> 00:50:05,600
Because of human maintenance
1265
00:50:05,600 --> 00:50:10,366
Throughout the centuries.
1266
00:50:10,366 --> 00:50:11,765
The sphinx was uncovered
1267
00:50:11,765 --> 00:50:13,699
And restored for the first time
1268
00:50:13,699 --> 00:50:16,899
Back in 1400 back.
1269
00:50:16,899 --> 00:50:18,433
Modern experts who have studied
1270
00:50:18,433 --> 00:50:20,066
The sphinx, predict
1271
00:50:20,066 --> 00:50:22,199
That without human intervention,
1272
00:50:22,199 --> 00:50:24,032
Deterioration from salts
1273
00:50:24,032 --> 00:50:26,032
And wind erosion could render it
1274
00:50:26,032 --> 00:50:27,466
A pile of dust
1275
00:50:27,466 --> 00:50:36,765
Within 500 to 1,000 years.
1276
00:50:36,765 --> 00:50:38,799
The largest concrete structures
1277
00:50:38,799 --> 00:50:40,866
Like hover dam, will last
1278
00:50:40,866 --> 00:50:48,066
Even longer than that.
1279
00:50:48,066 --> 00:50:49,399
Hover is so thick
1280
00:50:49,399 --> 00:50:50,765
That over 70 years
1281
00:50:50,765 --> 00:50:52,500
After it was constructed
1282
00:50:52,500 --> 00:50:54,032
The concrete deep inside
1283
00:50:54,032 --> 00:50:59,366
Was still curing.
1284
00:50:59,366 --> 00:51:01,333
But of the 15 tallest dams
1285
00:51:01,333 --> 00:51:03,233
In the United States,
1286
00:51:03,233 --> 00:51:05,966
Only 10 are concrete.
1287
00:51:05,966 --> 00:51:07,765
The others are made of compacted
1288
00:51:07,765 --> 00:51:09,632
Rock or earth,
1289
00:51:09,632 --> 00:51:10,932
Like northern California's
1290
00:51:10,932 --> 00:51:14,932
Trinity dam.
1291
00:51:14,932 --> 00:51:16,866
If there were humans around,
1292
00:51:16,866 --> 00:51:18,199
This leak in the dam would get
1293
00:51:18,199 --> 00:51:21,600
An emergency fix.
1294
00:51:21,600 --> 00:51:25,732
But those days are long gone.
1295
00:51:25,799 --> 00:51:26,799
some of these dams
1296
00:51:26,799 --> 00:51:29,399
Are absolutely enormous.
1297
00:51:29,399 --> 00:51:30,399
And if they fail,
1298
00:51:30,399 --> 00:51:31,966
As they will in time,
1299
00:51:31,966 --> 00:51:33,399
Then the surge of water
1300
00:51:33,399 --> 00:51:35,166
That falls in behind them
1301
00:51:35,166 --> 00:51:36,266
And cascades
1302
00:51:36,266 --> 00:51:38,632
Down a valley below
1303
00:51:38,632 --> 00:51:40,266
Would have a huge force,
1304
00:51:40,266 --> 00:51:41,333
Big enough to sweep away
1305
00:51:41,333 --> 00:51:45,966
Everything on its path.
1306
00:51:55,799 --> 00:51:58,399
fifty years after humans,
1307
00:51:58,399 --> 00:51:59,732
The strain of neglect
1308
00:51:59,732 --> 00:52:00,999
Is beginning to show
1309
00:52:00,999 --> 00:52:02,433
On even the best design
1310
00:52:02,433 --> 00:52:12,999
Of manmade structures.
1311
00:52:12,999 --> 00:52:14,799
everything that man designs
1312
00:52:14,799 --> 00:52:16,166
Carries within it, the seeds
1313
00:52:16,166 --> 00:52:18,466
Of its own destruction;
1314
00:52:18,466 --> 00:52:19,765
That includes bridges
1315
00:52:19,765 --> 00:52:21,899
And buildings.
1316
00:52:21,899 --> 00:52:22,932
The Brooklyn Bridge,
1317
00:52:22,932 --> 00:52:24,266
One of the most famous bridges
1318
00:52:24,266 --> 00:52:30,133
In the world for over 125 years.
1319
00:52:30,133 --> 00:52:30,866
The reason
1320
00:52:30,866 --> 00:52:32,799
Those bridges last so long
1321
00:52:32,799 --> 00:52:34,032
Is because engineers
1322
00:52:34,032 --> 00:52:35,266
Look after them.
1323
00:52:35,266 --> 00:52:36,566
They inspect them regularly,
1324
00:52:36,566 --> 00:52:37,566
They maintain them,
1325
00:52:37,566 --> 00:52:38,566
They paint them,
1326
00:52:38,566 --> 00:52:39,799
They replace pieces that need
1327
00:52:39,799 --> 00:52:41,466
To be replaced.
1328
00:52:41,466 --> 00:52:42,399
Without people,
1329
00:52:42,399 --> 00:52:43,699
Without engineers,
1330
00:52:43,699 --> 00:52:45,399
The deterioration process
1331
00:52:45,399 --> 00:52:50,799
Will accelerate dramatically.
1332
00:52:50,799 --> 00:52:52,066
the most vulnerable parts
1333
00:52:52,066 --> 00:52:53,600
Of a suspension bridge
1334
00:52:53,600 --> 00:52:55,266
Are the steel vertical hanger
1335
00:52:55,266 --> 00:53:00,866
Cables.
1336
00:53:00,932 --> 00:53:01,632
these have been tested
1337
00:53:01,632 --> 00:53:02,966
In the laboratory,
1338
00:53:02,966 --> 00:53:04,466
Unfortunately not on the bridge,
1339
00:53:04,466 --> 00:53:05,665
But what you see
1340
00:53:05,665 --> 00:53:08,133
Is a classic kind of a failure
1341
00:53:08,133 --> 00:53:11,032
That occurs in these wires.
1342
00:53:11,032 --> 00:53:12,899
These are the individual wires,
1343
00:53:13,032 --> 00:53:13,433
All right?
1344
00:53:13,433 --> 00:53:15,266
That's an individual wire.
1345
00:53:15,266 --> 00:53:15,932
That probably has
1346
00:53:15,932 --> 00:53:16,732
A tensile strength
1347
00:53:16,732 --> 00:53:18,266
That's maybe 200,000 pounds
1348
00:53:18,266 --> 00:53:18,866
Per square inch.
1349
00:53:18,866 --> 00:53:19,832
That's a very high strength
1350
00:53:19,832 --> 00:53:21,399
Steel.
1351
00:53:21,399 --> 00:53:23,166
as strong as they are,
1352
00:53:23,166 --> 00:53:26,333
These cables have a fatal flaw:
1353
00:53:26,333 --> 00:53:32,032
It's the stuff they're made of.
1354
00:53:32,032 --> 00:53:32,899
steel is a mineral
1355
00:53:32,899 --> 00:53:34,433
That comes from the earth
1356
00:53:34,433 --> 00:53:36,433
That's mostly iron,
1357
00:53:36,433 --> 00:53:37,366
So it's probably
1358
00:53:37,366 --> 00:53:42,133
95, 98 percent iron.
1359
00:53:42,133 --> 00:53:43,366
exposed to moisture
1360
00:53:43,366 --> 00:53:44,999
In the environment,
1361
00:53:44,999 --> 00:53:46,399
Iron will start to revert
1362
00:53:46,399 --> 00:53:47,566
Back to the minerals
1363
00:53:47,566 --> 00:53:49,166
It came from.
1364
00:53:49,166 --> 00:53:53,099
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
1365
00:53:53,099 --> 00:53:55,066
it's going to go back home.
1366
00:53:55,066 --> 00:53:55,765
It came from the earth
1367
00:53:55,765 --> 00:53:58,133
As iron oxide of some form,
1368
00:53:58,133 --> 00:54:01,266
And it's going to go back.
1369
00:54:01,266 --> 00:54:02,832
this is the process we know
1370
00:54:02,832 --> 00:54:04,600
As corrosion,
1371
00:54:04,600 --> 00:54:06,133
And you see it wherever steel
1372
00:54:06,133 --> 00:54:09,233
Is exposed to moisture.
1373
00:54:09,233 --> 00:54:11,032
the enemy of steel
1374
00:54:11,032 --> 00:54:12,999
Is corrosion.
1375
00:54:12,999 --> 00:54:13,533
The problem
1376
00:54:13,533 --> 00:54:16,133
Is keeping the water out.
1377
00:54:16,133 --> 00:54:17,799
Part of that is maintenance.
1378
00:54:17,799 --> 00:54:19,166
If you don't maintain them,
1379
00:54:19,166 --> 00:54:23,732
You will get corrosion.
1380
00:54:23,732 --> 00:54:26,366
completed in 1883,
1381
00:54:26,366 --> 00:54:27,832
The Brooklyn bridge cost
1382
00:54:27,832 --> 00:54:31,832
$15 million to build.
1383
00:54:31,832 --> 00:54:33,632
Over the last two decades,
1384
00:54:33,632 --> 00:54:35,999
$3 billion have been spent
1385
00:54:35,999 --> 00:54:37,166
Maintaining it
1386
00:54:37,166 --> 00:54:38,233
And the other bridges
1387
00:54:38,233 --> 00:54:40,932
Over the east river.
1388
00:54:40,932 --> 00:54:43,032
In the time of humans,
1389
00:54:43,032 --> 00:54:43,999
The Brooklyn Bridge
1390
00:54:43,999 --> 00:54:45,732
Was continually maintained
1391
00:54:45,732 --> 00:54:47,266
And fully repainted,
1392
00:54:47,266 --> 00:54:49,966
Roughly, every dozen years.
1393
00:54:49,966 --> 00:54:51,199
While across the country
1394
00:54:51,199 --> 00:54:55,699
In San Francisco,
1395
00:54:55,699 --> 00:54:56,966
The golden gate bridge
1396
00:54:56,966 --> 00:54:59,032
Was protected at all times
1397
00:54:59,032 --> 00:55:00,466
By a vigilant brigade
1398
00:55:00,466 --> 00:55:02,632
Of 17 iron workers
1399
00:55:02,632 --> 00:55:07,600
And 38 painters.
1400
00:55:07,600 --> 00:55:08,732
what do they do all the time?
1401
00:55:08,732 --> 00:55:09,765
They will tell you, "We paint
1402
00:55:09,765 --> 00:55:12,866
This bridge continuously."
1403
00:55:12,866 --> 00:55:14,866
What happens when that stops?
1404
00:55:14,866 --> 00:55:15,600
I can tell you what happens
1405
00:55:15,600 --> 00:55:16,765
When that stops.
1406
00:55:16,765 --> 00:55:18,632
The cables begin to rust,
1407
00:55:18,632 --> 00:55:19,999
The paint peels off,
1408
00:55:19,999 --> 00:55:21,999
The wires begin to break,
1409
00:55:21,999 --> 00:55:23,699
And they'll come to a point
1410
00:55:23,699 --> 00:55:24,366
When the bridge
1411
00:55:24,366 --> 00:55:34,533
Is going to come down.
1412
00:55:34,533 --> 00:55:35,899
seventy-five years
1413
00:55:35,899 --> 00:55:38,600
After people.
1414
00:55:38,600 --> 00:55:41,166
Most of the 600 million cars
1415
00:55:41,166 --> 00:55:42,600
That once traveled the roads
1416
00:55:42,600 --> 00:55:44,233
Of the world
1417
00:55:44,233 --> 00:55:46,399
Are now just rusted remnants
1418
00:55:46,399 --> 00:55:52,566
Of the human past.
1419
00:55:52,566 --> 00:55:53,699
abandoned cars will behave
1420
00:55:53,699 --> 00:55:54,699
Differently depending
1421
00:55:54,699 --> 00:55:55,500
On the environment
1422
00:55:55,500 --> 00:55:57,166
That they're in.
1423
00:55:57,166 --> 00:55:58,433
A car left in the Mojave Desert,
1424
00:55:58,433 --> 00:55:59,032
For example,
1425
00:55:59,032 --> 00:56:01,433
Is going to last a long time.
1426
00:56:01,500 --> 00:56:02,433
A car abandoned
1427
00:56:02,433 --> 00:56:03,999
In my native Scotland
1428
00:56:03,999 --> 00:56:04,632
Is going to have
1429
00:56:04,632 --> 00:56:06,632
A very different fate.
1430
00:56:06,765 --> 00:56:07,433
Any cars
1431
00:56:07,433 --> 00:56:08,966
In a coastal environment
1432
00:56:08,966 --> 00:56:11,066
With salt in the atmosphere,
1433
00:56:11,066 --> 00:56:11,966
They might not last
1434
00:56:11,966 --> 00:56:16,765
More than 20, 30 years.
1435
00:56:16,765 --> 00:56:17,732
tires deflate
1436
00:56:17,732 --> 00:56:19,665
Within a few years,
1437
00:56:19,665 --> 00:56:20,433
Although the rubber
1438
00:56:20,433 --> 00:56:22,032
And synthetics they're made of
1439
00:56:22,032 --> 00:56:22,966
Will remain intact
1440
00:56:22,966 --> 00:56:25,932
For centuries.
1441
00:56:25,932 --> 00:56:28,433
Paint deteriorates quickly.
1442
00:56:28,433 --> 00:56:30,533
And once it flakes away,
1443
00:56:30,533 --> 00:56:32,665
Rust corrodes the car's body
1444
00:56:32,665 --> 00:56:34,466
At a rate of 5,000ths
1445
00:56:34,466 --> 00:56:37,466
Of an inch per year.
1446
00:56:37,466 --> 00:56:40,832
Seventy-five years after humans,
1447
00:56:40,832 --> 00:56:41,966
Most cars,
1448
00:56:41,966 --> 00:56:43,266
Even in the most forgiving
1449
00:56:43,266 --> 00:56:44,533
Of environments,
1450
00:56:44,533 --> 00:56:48,099
Will be reduced to skeletons.
1451
00:56:48,099 --> 00:56:50,932
After a century, the family car
1452
00:56:50,932 --> 00:56:53,166
Is a barely recognizable heap
1453
00:56:53,166 --> 00:57:06,999
Of metal.
1454
00:57:06,999 --> 00:57:09,665
It's now 100 years into a life
1455
00:57:09,665 --> 00:57:13,665
After people.
1456
00:57:13,665 --> 00:57:15,166
The Brooklyn Bridge,
1457
00:57:15,166 --> 00:57:15,932
Which had stood
1458
00:57:15,932 --> 00:57:19,632
For over 125 years with people,
1459
00:57:19,632 --> 00:57:21,632
Can't survive even a century
1460
00:57:21,632 --> 00:57:24,333
Without them.
1461
00:57:24,333 --> 00:57:26,133
As the cables fail,
1462
00:57:26,133 --> 00:57:27,866
The deck and railings begin
1463
00:57:27,866 --> 00:57:35,233
To warp and sway.
1464
00:57:35,233 --> 00:57:38,732
The deck pulls free,
1465
00:57:38,732 --> 00:57:40,433
And the roadway spills
1466
00:57:40,433 --> 00:57:49,665
Into the east river.
1467
00:57:49,665 --> 00:57:51,732
as an engineer,
1468
00:57:51,732 --> 00:57:53,665
It's very sad to contemplate
1469
00:57:53,665 --> 00:57:55,333
That this beautiful iconic
1470
00:57:55,333 --> 00:57:56,999
Structure has got an end
1471
00:57:56,999 --> 00:57:58,366
To its life.
1472
00:57:58,366 --> 00:57:59,999
But without maintenance,
1473
00:57:59,999 --> 00:58:00,999
An end to its life
1474
00:58:00,999 --> 00:58:07,166
It certainly has.
1475
00:58:07,166 --> 00:58:10,299
how exactly do bridges fail?
1476
00:58:10,299 --> 00:58:12,166
Once corrosion starts,
1477
00:58:12,166 --> 00:58:15,566
The wires begin to crack.
1478
00:58:15,566 --> 00:58:16,099
and the wire
1479
00:58:16,099 --> 00:58:16,665
Doesn't have to have
1480
00:58:16,665 --> 00:58:17,500
A very big crack
1481
00:58:17,500 --> 00:58:18,699
Before it breaks.
1482
00:58:18,699 --> 00:58:20,366
Maybe a third
1483
00:58:20,366 --> 00:58:22,433
Of the way through.
1484
00:58:22,500 --> 00:58:23,899
You may wonder what happens
1485
00:58:23,899 --> 00:58:24,665
When they fail.
1486
00:58:24,665 --> 00:58:25,500
How do they fail?
1487
00:58:25,500 --> 00:58:26,333
Do they just break?
1488
00:58:26,333 --> 00:58:27,199
And what do they do?
1489
00:58:27,199 --> 00:58:27,799
And the answer
1490
00:58:27,799 --> 00:58:30,533
Is they tend to shred and fail,
1491
00:58:30,665 --> 00:58:31,665
With individual strands
1492
00:58:31,665 --> 00:58:32,366
Starting to fail
1493
00:58:32,366 --> 00:58:34,133
And then, kind of, cascading,
1494
00:58:34,133 --> 00:58:35,832
And a whole series of wires
1495
00:58:35,832 --> 00:58:39,799
Then begin to break.
1496
00:58:39,799 --> 00:58:40,832
a suspension bridge
1497
00:58:40,832 --> 00:58:42,866
Like the golden gate can survive
1498
00:58:42,866 --> 00:58:44,466
The weakening of one
1499
00:58:44,466 --> 00:58:46,466
Of its vertical cables.
1500
00:58:46,466 --> 00:58:47,765
But once two or three
1501
00:58:47,765 --> 00:58:49,166
Start to go,
1502
00:58:49,166 --> 00:58:52,600
The whole bridge is in jeopardy.
1503
00:58:52,600 --> 00:58:54,665
Twisted steel crashes
1504
00:58:54,665 --> 00:58:58,999
Into the waters below.
1505
00:58:58,999 --> 00:59:01,266
it's going to be gone.
1506
00:59:01,266 --> 00:59:02,500
Two hundred years?
1507
00:59:02,500 --> 00:59:05,299
I doubt it will last 200 years.
1508
00:59:05,299 --> 00:59:06,765
The bridge is going to be
1509
00:59:06,765 --> 00:59:08,133
In the drink.
1510
00:59:09,966 --> 00:59:10,533
if some
1511
00:59:10,533 --> 00:59:11,832
Of our largest structures
1512
00:59:11,832 --> 00:59:13,099
Have already failed
1513
00:59:13,099 --> 00:59:16,133
After 100 years,
1514
00:59:16,133 --> 00:59:17,566
Can there be any hope
1515
00:59:17,566 --> 00:59:18,600
That our civilization
1516
00:59:18,600 --> 00:59:20,233
Will leave a permanent mark
1517
00:59:20,233 --> 00:59:24,533
After we're gone?
1518
00:59:24,533 --> 00:59:26,099
What will remain of the records
1519
00:59:26,099 --> 00:59:28,233
Of our history and culture
1520
00:59:28,233 --> 00:59:33,133
A hundred years after people?
1521
00:59:33,133 --> 00:59:34,500
our vaults contain
1522
00:59:34,500 --> 00:59:37,299
Our most precious materials,
1523
00:59:37,299 --> 00:59:38,299
And their biggest enemies
1524
00:59:38,299 --> 00:59:43,765
Are temperature and humidity.
1525
00:59:43,765 --> 00:59:44,399
As long
1526
00:59:44,399 --> 00:59:46,399
As their long-term storage
1527
00:59:46,399 --> 00:59:47,533
Is kept at these
1528
00:59:47,533 --> 00:59:50,566
Very controlled settings,
1529
00:59:50,566 --> 00:59:51,632
We feel assured
1530
00:59:51,632 --> 00:59:52,699
That the materials
1531
00:59:52,699 --> 00:59:59,066
Will be lasting a long time.
1532
00:59:59,066 --> 01:00:00,233
stored
1533
01:00:00,233 --> 01:00:01,799
Under ideal conditions,
1534
01:00:01,799 --> 01:00:03,866
Paper and film both have
1535
01:00:03,866 --> 01:00:05,333
An estimated shelf life
1536
01:00:05,333 --> 01:00:09,500
Of 200 to 300 years.
1537
01:00:09,500 --> 01:00:10,999
But expose them to the rigors
1538
01:00:10,999 --> 01:00:13,366
Of an uncontrolled environment
1539
01:00:13,366 --> 01:00:15,233
And that lifespan is cut
1540
01:00:15,233 --> 01:00:19,166
At least in half.
1541
01:00:19,233 --> 01:00:23,732
if all the power went off,
1542
01:00:23,732 --> 01:00:24,932
Probably within a week,
1543
01:00:24,932 --> 01:00:27,199
We'd see very big spikes
1544
01:00:27,333 --> 01:00:32,266
In the temperature and humidity.
1545
01:00:32,266 --> 01:00:35,433
in this hostile environment,
1546
01:00:35,433 --> 01:00:37,199
Cellulose acetate,
1547
01:00:37,199 --> 01:00:38,433
The most common material
1548
01:00:38,433 --> 01:00:40,566
Used for films and photographs
1549
01:00:40,566 --> 01:00:43,732
Throughout the 20th century
1550
01:00:43,732 --> 01:00:47,765
Begins to bubble and warp.
1551
01:00:47,765 --> 01:00:49,866
All of that culture and history,
1552
01:00:49,866 --> 01:00:51,832
From the landings on d-day
1553
01:00:51,832 --> 01:00:53,366
To Hollywood films
1554
01:00:53,366 --> 01:00:54,533
And even your cherished
1555
01:00:54,533 --> 01:00:56,533
Home movies and photographs,
1556
01:00:56,533 --> 01:00:58,199
Won't last a century
1557
01:00:58,199 --> 01:01:01,765
Without the care of humans.
1558
01:01:01,765 --> 01:01:04,199
so, those precious images,
1559
01:01:04,199 --> 01:01:06,133
Given time,
1560
01:01:06,133 --> 01:01:09,333
Are going to end up like this.
1561
01:01:09,333 --> 01:01:10,533
All of these are examples
1562
01:01:10,533 --> 01:01:13,166
Of various stages in the decay
1563
01:01:13,166 --> 01:01:16,665
Of cellulose acetate-based film
1564
01:01:16,665 --> 01:01:18,166
Exposed to very high amounts
1565
01:01:18,166 --> 01:01:19,999
Of humidity.
1566
01:01:19,999 --> 01:01:20,966
Essentially,
1567
01:01:20,966 --> 01:01:27,533
These materials are finished.
1568
01:01:27,533 --> 01:01:29,166
in libraries,
1569
01:01:29,166 --> 01:01:30,600
The great repositories
1570
01:01:30,600 --> 01:01:32,732
Of our collective knowledge,
1571
01:01:32,732 --> 01:01:33,799
The damage comes
1572
01:01:33,799 --> 01:01:39,832
From microscopic invaders.
1573
01:01:39,832 --> 01:01:41,832
Although we can't see them,
1574
01:01:41,832 --> 01:01:42,932
Mold spores
1575
01:01:42,932 --> 01:01:44,266
Are on all the surfaces
1576
01:01:44,266 --> 01:01:46,932
Around us, lying dormant,
1577
01:01:46,932 --> 01:01:48,266
Biding their time
1578
01:01:48,266 --> 01:01:49,699
For the right conditions
1579
01:01:49,699 --> 01:01:54,433
To strike.
1580
01:01:54,433 --> 01:01:55,732
High humidity
1581
01:01:55,732 --> 01:01:59,466
Creates the right conditions.
1582
01:01:59,466 --> 01:02:00,299
and so,
1583
01:02:00,299 --> 01:02:02,266
The situation is set up
1584
01:02:02,266 --> 01:02:11,399
For the mold to really boom.
1585
01:02:11,399 --> 01:02:12,466
some books and documents
1586
01:02:12,466 --> 01:02:16,133
Will avoid this fate.
1587
01:02:16,133 --> 01:02:17,433
The Dead Sea scrolls
1588
01:02:17,433 --> 01:02:19,832
Survived 2,000 years in caves
1589
01:02:19,832 --> 01:02:21,600
In the Judean desert,
1590
01:02:21,600 --> 01:02:22,799
Owing their longevity
1591
01:02:22,799 --> 01:02:24,233
To the arid climate
1592
01:02:24,233 --> 01:02:28,632
And lack of damaging sunlight.
1593
01:02:28,632 --> 01:02:32,466
But these are rare exceptions.
1594
01:02:32,466 --> 01:02:33,032
so without
1595
01:02:33,032 --> 01:02:34,600
Human intervention,
1596
01:02:34,600 --> 01:02:36,099
A book like this might last,
1597
01:02:36,099 --> 01:02:42,233
At best, another hundred years.
1598
01:02:48,933 --> 01:02:50,499
even our digital media
1599
01:02:50,499 --> 01:02:53,866
Won't last forever.
1600
01:02:53,866 --> 01:02:55,066
Estimates for the lifespan
1601
01:02:55,066 --> 01:02:57,766
Of CDs and DVDs range
1602
01:02:57,766 --> 01:02:59,266
From a few decades
1603
01:02:59,266 --> 01:03:00,632
To a few centuries
1604
01:03:00,632 --> 01:03:04,599
Under ideal conditions.
1605
01:03:04,599 --> 01:03:04,966
we know
1606
01:03:04,966 --> 01:03:06,166
About the ancient Egyptians
1607
01:03:06,166 --> 01:03:08,233
Because what they left behind
1608
01:03:08,233 --> 01:03:09,699
Was engraved in stones.
1609
01:03:14,099 --> 01:03:16,599
Our form of capturing knowledge,
1610
01:03:16,599 --> 01:03:18,099
Information, our history,
1611
01:03:18,099 --> 01:03:20,199
Our advancement is typically
1612
01:03:20,199 --> 01:03:21,465
Either in a computerized form,
1613
01:03:21,465 --> 01:03:23,899
In a cod, or in a printed paper
1614
01:03:23,899 --> 01:03:25,300
Like this.
1615
01:03:25,432 --> 01:03:26,532
What we have here is something
1616
01:03:26,532 --> 01:03:28,133
That will degrade over time.
1617
01:03:28,133 --> 01:03:29,666
It will not last
1618
01:03:29,666 --> 01:03:30,799
For thousands of years
1619
01:03:30,799 --> 01:03:31,432
Like what
1620
01:03:31,432 --> 01:03:32,465
The ancient Egyptians
1621
01:03:32,465 --> 01:03:34,799
Left behind.
1622
01:03:34,799 --> 01:03:37,632
it seems pretty ironic
1623
01:03:37,632 --> 01:03:40,899
That with all of our advances,
1624
01:03:40,899 --> 01:03:42,933
We still have not come up
1625
01:03:42,933 --> 01:03:44,432
With anything as durable
1626
01:03:44,432 --> 01:03:49,532
As clay tablets and stone tools.
1627
01:03:57,300 --> 01:04:01,565
150 years after humans,
1628
01:04:01,565 --> 01:04:02,333
The subways
1629
01:04:02,333 --> 01:04:03,699
That had started to flood
1630
01:04:03,699 --> 01:04:06,832
In the first 36 hours
1631
01:04:06,832 --> 01:04:07,632
Are now flowing
1632
01:04:07,632 --> 01:04:11,333
Subterranean streams.
1633
01:04:11,333 --> 01:04:12,732
The beams and archways
1634
01:04:12,732 --> 01:04:13,966
That holds up the roofs
1635
01:04:13,966 --> 01:04:15,465
Of these tunnels
1636
01:04:15,465 --> 01:04:19,166
Are on the verge of collapse.
1637
01:04:19,166 --> 01:04:19,866
now, these tunnels
1638
01:04:19,866 --> 01:04:21,899
Are not far below street level.
1639
01:04:21,899 --> 01:04:23,933
These columns are supporting
1640
01:04:23,933 --> 01:04:25,699
Not just the roof of the tunnel,
1641
01:04:25,699 --> 01:04:27,532
But the street above.
1642
01:04:27,532 --> 01:04:28,999
And in time that these tunnels
1643
01:04:28,999 --> 01:04:30,266
Are inundated,
1644
01:04:30,266 --> 01:04:31,400
Flooded with water,
1645
01:04:31,400 --> 01:04:32,400
Corrosion will start
1646
01:04:32,400 --> 01:04:33,966
To take hold and we'll start
1647
01:04:33,966 --> 01:04:37,333
To see collapses.
1648
01:04:37,333 --> 01:04:38,333
the tunnels echo
1649
01:04:38,333 --> 01:04:39,166
With the sound
1650
01:04:39,166 --> 01:04:42,899
Of cracking steel and cement
1651
01:04:42,899 --> 01:04:47,899
As the streets above
1652
01:04:47,899 --> 01:04:50,532
Are sucked into the underground.
1653
01:04:58,699 --> 01:05:01,532
Above ground, life in the city
1654
01:05:01,532 --> 01:05:06,233
Is once again bustling.
1655
01:05:06,233 --> 01:05:08,099
Vines have grown up the sides
1656
01:05:08,099 --> 01:05:10,866
Of abandoned skyscrapers,
1657
01:05:10,866 --> 01:05:13,066
Adapting to feed off rainwater
1658
01:05:13,066 --> 01:05:15,233
That pools in crevices
1659
01:05:15,233 --> 01:05:19,699
And on ledges.
1660
01:05:19,699 --> 01:05:21,333
these vines all start up.
1661
01:05:21,333 --> 01:05:22,233
And the vines
1662
01:05:22,233 --> 01:05:23,400
Have little branches.
1663
01:05:23,400 --> 01:05:23,933
It'd be nice
1664
01:05:23,933 --> 01:05:25,166
If they produce a fruit
1665
01:05:25,166 --> 01:05:27,465
Or something that was edible.
1666
01:05:27,532 --> 01:05:28,400
You got to have a plant
1667
01:05:28,400 --> 01:05:30,300
With some fruit or, you know,
1668
01:05:30,300 --> 01:05:31,999
Some source of energy
1669
01:05:31,999 --> 01:05:33,933
For animals.
1670
01:05:34,066 --> 01:05:34,632
And then you would get
1671
01:05:34,632 --> 01:05:37,666
This vertical ecosystem
1672
01:05:37,666 --> 01:05:38,933
Out there, and you would get
1673
01:05:38,933 --> 01:05:41,199
Birds nesting in there.
1674
01:05:41,199 --> 01:05:41,766
You get things
1675
01:05:41,766 --> 01:05:42,866
Hunting in through there.
1676
01:05:42,866 --> 01:05:44,666
You could have snakes there.
1677
01:05:44,666 --> 01:05:45,133
You could have
1678
01:05:45,133 --> 01:05:53,666
All kinds of things.
1679
01:05:53,666 --> 01:05:54,532
as insects
1680
01:05:54,532 --> 01:05:55,465
And smaller animals
1681
01:05:55,465 --> 01:06:00,300
Get established,
1682
01:06:00,300 --> 01:06:05,366
Cats move in.
1683
01:06:05,366 --> 01:06:06,066
and there's some
1684
01:06:06,066 --> 01:06:07,400
Interesting examples of that
1685
01:06:07,400 --> 01:06:09,565
Around the world.
1686
01:06:09,565 --> 01:06:10,799
If you go to the colloseum--
1687
01:06:10,799 --> 01:06:11,699
You just look in it--
1688
01:06:11,699 --> 01:06:14,799
It's just loaded with cats.
1689
01:06:14,799 --> 01:06:15,732
And the old tombs
1690
01:06:15,732 --> 01:06:17,400
And old catacombs and so on
1691
01:06:17,400 --> 01:06:18,766
Get loaded with cats
1692
01:06:18,766 --> 01:06:20,166
That uses this as a living space
1693
01:06:20,166 --> 01:06:20,866
From which, then,
1694
01:06:20,866 --> 01:06:25,766
They radiate out during the day.
1695
01:06:25,766 --> 01:06:26,866
these felines
1696
01:06:26,866 --> 01:06:27,832
Are the descendants
1697
01:06:27,832 --> 01:06:30,599
Of our former house cats.
1698
01:06:30,599 --> 01:06:31,699
Immediately after people
1699
01:06:31,699 --> 01:06:33,632
Were gone, they replaced
1700
01:06:33,632 --> 01:06:35,599
Their human-supplied diets
1701
01:06:35,599 --> 01:06:38,899
With field mice and small birds.
1702
01:06:38,899 --> 01:06:40,266
Hunting out in the open
1703
01:06:40,266 --> 01:06:42,933
Was hard work.
1704
01:06:42,933 --> 01:06:44,333
But up here,
1705
01:06:44,333 --> 01:06:48,233
The pickings are easy.
1706
01:06:48,233 --> 01:06:49,532
Now, they live
1707
01:06:49,532 --> 01:06:50,766
Their whole lives
1708
01:06:50,766 --> 01:06:52,866
High above the city,
1709
01:06:52,866 --> 01:06:54,199
Finding all that they need
1710
01:06:54,199 --> 01:06:56,532
To survive without ever having
1711
01:06:56,532 --> 01:06:59,266
To touch the ground.
1712
01:06:59,266 --> 01:07:00,366
They are the kings
1713
01:07:00,366 --> 01:07:01,966
Of the new high altitude
1714
01:07:01,966 --> 01:07:03,266
Food chain,
1715
01:07:03,266 --> 01:07:05,066
With million-dollar views
1716
01:07:05,066 --> 01:07:05,999
Of a bizarrely
1717
01:07:05,999 --> 01:07:15,799
Altered cityscape.
1718
01:07:15,799 --> 01:07:17,266
I could picture new York city
1719
01:07:17,266 --> 01:07:19,166
With all the buildings
1720
01:07:19,166 --> 01:07:21,933
Covered with vines, you know?
1721
01:07:21,933 --> 01:07:25,333
Hawks sailing around.
1722
01:07:25,333 --> 01:07:26,632
It'd be lovely.
1723
01:07:26,632 --> 01:07:28,465
It would be absolutely lovely.
1724
01:07:31,766 --> 01:07:33,233
for cats,
1725
01:07:33,233 --> 01:07:35,266
Life in this new environment
1726
01:07:35,266 --> 01:07:36,532
Could eventually lead
1727
01:07:36,532 --> 01:07:41,199
To some strange adaptations.
1728
01:07:41,199 --> 01:07:42,199
I suppose, if you wanted
1729
01:07:42,199 --> 01:07:43,300
To be really imaginative
1730
01:07:43,300 --> 01:07:45,766
About it, you could say that,
1731
01:07:45,766 --> 01:07:46,866
Eventually, they could be
1732
01:07:46,866 --> 01:07:48,666
Like flying squirrels and so on.
1733
01:07:48,666 --> 01:07:52,465
They could glide from places.
1734
01:07:52,465 --> 01:07:55,465
The possibility is always there
1735
01:07:55,465 --> 01:07:59,166
For some imaginative responses
1736
01:07:59,166 --> 01:08:05,532
To this unusual environment.
1737
01:08:05,532 --> 01:08:06,565
while some cats
1738
01:08:06,565 --> 01:08:11,066
Have made a great leap forward,
1739
01:08:11,066 --> 01:08:13,166
Many dogs have reverted
1740
01:08:13,166 --> 01:08:16,999
To the ways of their ancestors.
1741
01:08:16,999 --> 01:08:19,099
Some that have interbred
1742
01:08:19,099 --> 01:08:22,400
With wolves now fall in packs
1743
01:08:22,400 --> 01:08:25,532
To bring down larger prey.
1744
01:08:33,999 --> 01:08:35,732
I think our dogs,
1745
01:08:35,732 --> 01:08:37,333
As placid as they may seem
1746
01:08:37,333 --> 01:08:38,499
When they're in our homes
1747
01:08:38,499 --> 01:08:40,532
Lying on the living room floor,
1748
01:08:40,666 --> 01:08:42,866
Still posses the instinct
1749
01:08:42,866 --> 01:08:44,233
To survive,
1750
01:08:44,233 --> 01:08:45,999
Enough that they would be able
1751
01:08:45,999 --> 01:08:48,432
To do whatever it took
1752
01:08:48,432 --> 01:08:49,400
In bringing down prey
1753
01:08:49,400 --> 01:08:51,766
In order to live.
1754
01:09:03,933 --> 01:09:10,499
150 years after people,
1755
01:09:10,499 --> 01:09:11,899
The oceans are teeming
1756
01:09:11,899 --> 01:09:16,366
With life.
1757
01:09:16,366 --> 01:09:17,766
The creatures of the sea
1758
01:09:17,766 --> 01:09:18,599
Have welcomed
1759
01:09:18,599 --> 01:09:22,699
The disappearance of mankind.
1760
01:09:22,699 --> 01:09:23,599
historically,
1761
01:09:23,599 --> 01:09:24,400
We've treated the oceans
1762
01:09:24,400 --> 01:09:26,166
In two strange ways
1763
01:09:26,166 --> 01:09:27,933
At the same time:
1764
01:09:27,933 --> 01:09:31,933
A pantry and a toilet.
1765
01:09:31,999 --> 01:09:33,933
And over time,
1766
01:09:33,933 --> 01:09:36,799
Our ability to damage the ocean
1767
01:09:36,799 --> 01:09:41,966
Has grown and grown and grown.
1768
01:09:42,099 --> 01:09:43,832
with humans no longer fishing
1769
01:09:43,832 --> 01:09:45,666
And polluting the sea,
1770
01:09:45,666 --> 01:09:46,832
The path was cleared
1771
01:09:46,832 --> 01:09:49,366
For this astonishing recovery.
1772
01:09:49,366 --> 01:09:52,599
It has happened before.
1773
01:09:52,599 --> 01:09:54,300
During World War II,
1774
01:09:54,300 --> 01:09:55,966
Allied fishing trawlers
1775
01:09:55,966 --> 01:09:58,532
Avoided the north Atlantic,
1776
01:09:58,532 --> 01:10:00,099
And populations of fish there
1777
01:10:00,099 --> 01:10:04,799
Skyrocketed.
1778
01:10:04,799 --> 01:10:06,599
in here, the basic biology
1779
01:10:06,599 --> 01:10:07,666
Of these kinds of animals
1780
01:10:07,666 --> 01:10:08,799
Is working in our favor
1781
01:10:08,799 --> 01:10:10,033
Because animals
1782
01:10:10,033 --> 01:10:10,899
Like this sunfish
1783
01:10:10,899 --> 01:10:11,465
Can produce millions
1784
01:10:11,465 --> 01:10:14,066
Of offspring in a year,
1785
01:10:14,066 --> 01:10:14,899
Much more
1786
01:10:14,899 --> 01:10:15,832
Than an equivalent-sized
1787
01:10:15,832 --> 01:10:18,599
Terrestrial animal like a cow.
1788
01:10:18,599 --> 01:10:19,400
And because of that
1789
01:10:19,400 --> 01:10:20,632
Prodigious potential
1790
01:10:20,632 --> 01:10:22,233
To reproduce,
1791
01:10:22,233 --> 01:10:23,832
The oceans could come back
1792
01:10:23,832 --> 01:10:25,133
Pretty quickly
1793
01:10:25,133 --> 01:10:27,099
If the human population
1794
01:10:27,099 --> 01:10:33,432
Were suddenly to disappear.
1795
01:10:33,432 --> 01:10:34,599
research has shown
1796
01:10:34,599 --> 01:10:36,333
That in the 18th century,
1797
01:10:36,333 --> 01:10:37,300
Before the havoc
1798
01:10:37,300 --> 01:10:38,799
Caused by humans,
1799
01:10:38,799 --> 01:10:39,899
The oceans were capable
1800
01:10:39,899 --> 01:10:40,699
Of sustaining
1801
01:10:40,699 --> 01:10:45,133
Massive amounts of life.
1802
01:10:45,133 --> 01:10:45,999
so many whales
1803
01:10:45,999 --> 01:10:48,966
That they stink up the air;
1804
01:10:48,966 --> 01:10:50,199
So many tunas
1805
01:10:50,199 --> 01:10:52,066
That they froth the ocean;
1806
01:10:52,066 --> 01:10:52,766
So many turtles
1807
01:10:52,766 --> 01:10:53,499
That you could walk
1808
01:10:53,499 --> 01:10:55,933
Across the sea on their backs.
1809
01:10:55,933 --> 01:10:58,066
So, if people were to vanish
1810
01:10:58,066 --> 01:10:59,266
Off the face of the earth,
1811
01:10:59,266 --> 01:11:00,999
Then that's the kind of ocean
1812
01:11:00,999 --> 01:11:06,999
It could be.
1813
01:11:10,166 --> 01:11:11,565
seagulls are also
1814
01:11:11,565 --> 01:11:13,532
Flourishing, but it has been
1815
01:11:13,532 --> 01:11:15,999
A treacherous flight.
1816
01:11:15,999 --> 01:11:17,166
The abundance of food
1817
01:11:17,166 --> 01:11:17,832
From humans
1818
01:11:17,832 --> 01:11:19,432
Had allowed gull populations
1819
01:11:19,432 --> 01:11:21,465
To explode beyond what nature
1820
01:11:21,465 --> 01:11:25,766
Could normally support.
1821
01:11:25,766 --> 01:11:26,266
we humans
1822
01:11:26,266 --> 01:11:28,199
Are pretty messy species.
1823
01:11:28,199 --> 01:11:29,999
And for a very long time,
1824
01:11:29,999 --> 01:11:31,866
We had open landfill dumps
1825
01:11:31,866 --> 01:11:32,866
Where, as far
1826
01:11:32,866 --> 01:11:33,699
As we were concerned,
1827
01:11:33,699 --> 01:11:34,199
All the stuff
1828
01:11:34,199 --> 01:11:35,499
That wasn't fit to eat
1829
01:11:35,499 --> 01:11:36,832
Was just thrown out.
1830
01:11:36,832 --> 01:11:37,899
But from the gulls'
1831
01:11:37,899 --> 01:11:38,565
Point of view,
1832
01:11:38,565 --> 01:11:39,300
This was an amazing
1833
01:11:39,300 --> 01:11:41,033
Free lunch counter.
1834
01:11:41,099 --> 01:11:42,300
So, you had a lot of birds
1835
01:11:42,300 --> 01:11:42,799
That probably
1836
01:11:42,799 --> 01:11:43,699
Wouldn't have made it through
1837
01:11:43,699 --> 01:11:44,499
Their first winter
1838
01:11:44,499 --> 01:11:45,099
If they've had to feed
1839
01:11:45,099 --> 01:11:46,300
For themselves.
1840
01:11:46,300 --> 01:11:46,933
Suddenly, they had
1841
01:11:46,933 --> 01:11:47,866
All these free food
1842
01:11:47,866 --> 01:11:50,266
Available to them.
1843
01:11:50,400 --> 01:11:51,033
An immediate consequence
1844
01:11:51,033 --> 01:11:52,699
Of a world without people
1845
01:11:52,699 --> 01:11:54,066
Would be some very hungry gulls
1846
01:11:54,066 --> 01:11:55,899
Who would be very voraciously
1847
01:11:55,899 --> 01:12:00,366
Looking for other things to eat.
1848
01:12:00,366 --> 01:12:03,799
after an initial die-off,
1849
01:12:03,799 --> 01:12:04,933
The remaining gulls
1850
01:12:04,933 --> 01:12:05,933
Took advantage
1851
01:12:05,933 --> 01:12:07,832
Of the recovering oceans,
1852
01:12:07,832 --> 01:12:09,400
Where plentiful schools of fish
1853
01:12:09,400 --> 01:12:11,133
Erased any memories
1854
01:12:11,133 --> 01:12:13,366
Of the human-manufactured feasts
1855
01:12:13,366 --> 01:12:21,400
They used to enjoy.
1856
01:12:21,400 --> 01:12:25,133
Two hundred years after people,
1857
01:12:25,133 --> 01:12:27,966
From New York to Chicago,
1858
01:12:27,966 --> 01:12:30,400
Seattle and Paris,
1859
01:12:30,400 --> 01:12:32,333
Our iron and steel icons
1860
01:12:32,333 --> 01:12:37,832
Are on the verge of collapse.
1861
01:12:37,832 --> 01:12:39,099
While it has outlived
1862
01:12:39,099 --> 01:12:41,432
Our great suspension bridges,
1863
01:12:41,432 --> 01:12:42,632
The Eiffel tower
1864
01:12:42,632 --> 01:12:44,799
Is not invincible.
1865
01:12:44,799 --> 01:12:46,465
In the time of humans,
1866
01:12:46,465 --> 01:12:47,832
Its iron superstructure
1867
01:12:47,832 --> 01:12:48,565
Was painted
1868
01:12:48,565 --> 01:12:50,300
Once every seven years
1869
01:12:50,300 --> 01:12:54,766
To protect it from corrosion.
1870
01:12:54,766 --> 01:12:57,066
In both age and structure,
1871
01:12:57,066 --> 01:12:58,166
The Eiffel tower
1872
01:12:58,166 --> 01:12:59,400
Has a lot in common
1873
01:12:59,400 --> 01:13:00,766
With the 300-foot high
1874
01:13:00,766 --> 01:13:02,732
Kinsman railroad viaduct
1875
01:13:02,732 --> 01:13:04,666
In Pennsylvania.
1876
01:13:04,666 --> 01:13:05,166
was a bridge
1877
01:13:05,166 --> 01:13:05,732
That was wrought iron
1878
01:13:05,732 --> 01:13:06,866
Originally.
1879
01:13:06,866 --> 01:13:07,899
It was reconstructed
1880
01:13:07,899 --> 01:13:08,832
About the turn of the century
1881
01:13:08,832 --> 01:13:11,166
In steel.
1882
01:13:11,233 --> 01:13:12,532
And what happens here of course
1883
01:13:12,532 --> 01:13:14,933
Is that unless it's maintained,
1884
01:13:14,933 --> 01:13:16,199
Corrosion occurs.
1885
01:13:16,199 --> 01:13:16,832
And what happens
1886
01:13:16,832 --> 01:13:18,732
With the corrosion?
1887
01:13:18,866 --> 01:13:22,366
The connection points freeze up.
1888
01:13:22,366 --> 01:13:25,133
They are not allowed to move.
1889
01:13:25,133 --> 01:13:25,899
And here are some pieces
1890
01:13:25,899 --> 01:13:27,066
From that viaduct.
1891
01:13:27,066 --> 01:13:27,699
You can see
1892
01:13:27,699 --> 01:13:28,432
That there's corrosion
1893
01:13:28,432 --> 01:13:29,866
All over the place.
1894
01:13:29,866 --> 01:13:33,933
That's no longer steel.
1895
01:13:33,933 --> 01:13:34,565
a structure
1896
01:13:34,565 --> 01:13:36,400
With frozen connection points
1897
01:13:36,400 --> 01:13:37,999
Can't absorb the stress
1898
01:13:37,999 --> 01:13:40,799
Of high winds.
1899
01:13:40,799 --> 01:13:41,832
eventually,
1900
01:13:41,832 --> 01:13:43,400
In this strong wind storm,
1901
01:13:43,400 --> 01:13:49,532
It literally fell over.
1902
01:13:49,532 --> 01:13:51,300
Section by section,
1903
01:13:51,300 --> 01:13:52,532
Piece by piece,
1904
01:13:52,532 --> 01:13:54,966
It fell over into the valley
1905
01:13:54,966 --> 01:13:56,666
Where it had spanned the valley
1906
01:13:56,666 --> 01:14:02,333
For over a hundred years.
1907
01:14:02,333 --> 01:14:06,199
Just not maintained.
1908
01:14:06,199 --> 01:14:07,499
You can think of many structures
1909
01:14:07,499 --> 01:14:08,199
That is coming
1910
01:14:08,199 --> 01:14:09,233
From that same era
1911
01:14:09,233 --> 01:14:10,199
Like the Eiffel tower,
1912
01:14:10,199 --> 01:14:11,732
Its iconic structure.
1913
01:14:11,732 --> 01:14:12,532
That doesn't shield it
1914
01:14:12,532 --> 01:14:14,033
From the fact that's it
1915
01:14:14,033 --> 01:14:17,666
In a corrosive environment.
1916
01:14:17,666 --> 01:14:19,266
And so in time
1917
01:14:19,266 --> 01:14:20,899
If you do not do anything
1918
01:14:20,899 --> 01:14:22,099
For that structure,
1919
01:14:22,099 --> 01:14:26,266
It will fail.
1920
01:14:26,266 --> 01:14:51,966
And it will come down.
1921
01:14:51,966 --> 01:14:53,333
the time between one
1922
01:14:53,333 --> 01:14:56,333
And 300 years after people
1923
01:14:56,333 --> 01:14:57,766
Will likely be the era
1924
01:14:57,766 --> 01:14:59,066
Of the great collapses
1925
01:14:59,066 --> 01:15:01,966
Worldwide.
1926
01:15:01,966 --> 01:15:03,300
In Seattle,
1927
01:15:03,300 --> 01:15:04,666
The iconic space needle
1928
01:15:04,666 --> 01:15:05,832
Was designed to sway
1929
01:15:05,832 --> 01:15:07,999
One inch for every 10 miles
1930
01:15:07,999 --> 01:15:09,666
Per hour of wind,
1931
01:15:09,666 --> 01:15:10,666
But with its steel
1932
01:15:10,666 --> 01:15:12,565
Weakened by corrosion,
1933
01:15:12,565 --> 01:15:13,565
It takes little more
1934
01:15:13,565 --> 01:15:14,933
Than a strong breeze
1935
01:15:14,933 --> 01:15:15,832
For the symbol
1936
01:15:15,832 --> 01:15:18,465
Of the 1962 world's fair
1937
01:15:18,465 --> 01:15:38,999
To crash down from the skyline.
1938
01:15:38,999 --> 01:15:40,732
When humans disappeared,
1939
01:15:40,732 --> 01:15:41,999
Sea levels were already
1940
01:15:41,999 --> 01:15:45,732
On the rise.
1941
01:15:45,732 --> 01:15:46,699
In Manhattan,
1942
01:15:46,699 --> 01:15:48,033
Over the centuries,
1943
01:15:48,033 --> 01:15:49,499
Saturated soil
1944
01:15:49,499 --> 01:15:50,632
Around the empire state
1945
01:15:50,632 --> 01:15:52,766
Building's foundation pilings
1946
01:15:52,766 --> 01:15:53,933
Have allowed the building
1947
01:15:53,933 --> 01:15:55,099
To lean.
1948
01:15:55,166 --> 01:15:56,666
once a building strays
1949
01:15:56,666 --> 01:15:57,666
From the vertical,
1950
01:15:57,666 --> 01:15:58,499
Then gravity forces
1951
01:15:58,499 --> 01:16:00,099
Are also acting
1952
01:16:00,099 --> 01:16:01,432
Against the structure,
1953
01:16:01,432 --> 01:16:02,333
Increasing the stresses
1954
01:16:02,333 --> 01:16:04,432
At the base of the building,
1955
01:16:04,432 --> 01:16:05,499
Now we're unlikely to see
1956
01:16:05,499 --> 01:16:06,799
A skyscraper fall
1957
01:16:06,799 --> 01:16:09,266
Like a tree in the forest.
1958
01:16:09,266 --> 01:16:11,799
Once it does start to incline,
1959
01:16:11,799 --> 01:16:13,599
Gravitational force will cause
1960
01:16:13,599 --> 01:16:15,133
The top of the building
1961
01:16:15,133 --> 01:16:16,099
To collapse downward
1962
01:16:16,099 --> 01:16:18,499
On top of itself.
1963
01:16:21,899 --> 01:16:23,766
decay has also overtaken
1964
01:16:23,766 --> 01:16:25,732
The city of Chicago,
1965
01:16:25,732 --> 01:16:26,532
The birthplace
1966
01:16:26,532 --> 01:16:31,499
Of the skyscraper.
1967
01:16:31,499 --> 01:16:32,766
The sears tower,
1968
01:16:32,766 --> 01:16:34,199
The tallest man-made structure
1969
01:16:34,199 --> 01:16:35,799
In North America,
1970
01:16:35,799 --> 01:16:36,333
Has reached
1971
01:16:36,333 --> 01:16:40,233
The end of its reign.
1972
01:17:00,633 --> 01:17:02,032
The first 500 years
1973
01:17:02,032 --> 01:17:04,032
After people has been an era
1974
01:17:04,032 --> 01:17:13,333
Of decay and destruction.
1975
01:17:13,333 --> 01:17:14,700
Our concrete structures
1976
01:17:14,700 --> 01:17:17,865
Have lasted the longest.
1977
01:17:17,865 --> 01:17:18,965
The ancient Romans
1978
01:17:18,965 --> 01:17:20,166
Invented the first form
1979
01:17:20,166 --> 01:17:22,899
Of concrete.
1980
01:17:22,899 --> 01:17:24,099
And some of their structures
1981
01:17:24,099 --> 01:17:25,232
Remained intact
1982
01:17:25,232 --> 01:17:29,566
For over 2,000 years.
1983
01:17:29,566 --> 01:17:30,800
But modern concrete
1984
01:17:30,800 --> 01:17:32,766
Isn't nearly as durable.
1985
01:17:32,766 --> 01:17:34,800
It has higher water content
1986
01:17:34,800 --> 01:17:36,733
And is more loosely packed,
1987
01:17:36,733 --> 01:17:37,666
Which leads to more
1988
01:17:37,666 --> 01:17:40,899
Air pockets and cracks.
1989
01:17:40,899 --> 01:17:42,032
Modern concrete structures
1990
01:17:42,032 --> 01:17:45,232
Have another fatal flaw.
1991
01:17:45,299 --> 01:17:45,932
below the surface
1992
01:17:45,932 --> 01:17:46,499
Of reinforced
1993
01:17:46,499 --> 01:17:47,700
Concrete structures,
1994
01:17:47,700 --> 01:17:48,832
There is a mesh
1995
01:17:48,832 --> 01:17:50,700
Of steel reinforcing bars
1996
01:17:50,700 --> 01:17:52,433
And they don't corrode
1997
01:17:52,433 --> 01:17:54,366
Because the concrete maintains
1998
01:17:54,499 --> 01:17:55,832
An alkaline environment
1999
01:17:55,832 --> 01:17:56,999
Around them.
2000
01:17:56,999 --> 01:17:58,433
Now, when that alkalinity
2001
01:17:58,433 --> 01:17:59,499
Breaks down,
2002
01:17:59,499 --> 01:18:00,865
As it will in time,
2003
01:18:00,865 --> 01:18:01,599
Then the steel
2004
01:18:01,599 --> 01:18:05,733
Will start to corrode.
2005
01:18:05,733 --> 01:18:07,633
as the steel rebar rusts,
2006
01:18:07,633 --> 01:18:09,733
It expands to three times
2007
01:18:09,733 --> 01:18:11,533
Its original volume
2008
01:18:11,533 --> 01:18:13,099
Creating an outward pressure
2009
01:18:13,099 --> 01:18:14,566
That causes the concrete
2010
01:18:14,566 --> 01:18:22,466
To crumble.
2011
01:18:22,466 --> 01:18:23,499
in very broad terms,
2012
01:18:23,499 --> 01:18:24,566
After 50 years
2013
01:18:24,566 --> 01:18:25,299
We'd start to see
2014
01:18:25,299 --> 01:18:27,533
Surface cracking on concrete.
2015
01:18:27,533 --> 01:18:29,066
After a hundred years,
2016
01:18:29,066 --> 01:18:31,166
Flaking of the concrete surface.
2017
01:18:31,166 --> 01:18:32,800
After maybe 500 years,
2018
01:18:32,800 --> 01:18:33,733
Most reinforced
2019
01:18:33,733 --> 01:18:34,965
Concrete structures
2020
01:18:34,965 --> 01:18:38,932
Will be gone.
2021
01:18:38,932 --> 01:18:40,032
we look at these images
2022
01:18:40,032 --> 01:18:46,533
Of our fallen civilization,
2023
01:18:46,533 --> 01:18:47,666
It helps us to identify
2024
01:18:47,666 --> 01:18:48,766
With the past,
2025
01:18:48,766 --> 01:18:50,466
With the Greeks and the Romans,
2026
01:18:50,466 --> 01:18:52,199
With the crumbled
2027
01:18:52,199 --> 01:18:54,599
Mud brick cities of urn.
2028
01:18:54,666 --> 01:18:55,299
Each of us knows
2029
01:18:55,299 --> 01:18:56,032
That our bodies
2030
01:18:56,032 --> 01:18:59,266
Are going to fall apart;
2031
01:18:59,266 --> 01:19:03,999
Why not our cities too?
2032
01:19:08,899 --> 01:19:10,666
a thousand years ago,
2033
01:19:10,666 --> 01:19:12,733
6 1/2 billion people
2034
01:19:12,733 --> 01:19:16,533
Called this planet home.
2035
01:19:16,533 --> 01:19:19,066
At the early 21st century,
2036
01:19:19,066 --> 01:19:20,066
More than half of them
2037
01:19:20,066 --> 01:19:26,599
Lived in cities.
2038
01:19:26,599 --> 01:19:28,499
Now those cities
2039
01:19:28,499 --> 01:19:32,700
Are unrecognizable.
2040
01:19:32,700 --> 01:19:34,099
after maybe a thousand years
2041
01:19:34,099 --> 01:19:35,800
Or so, the scene behind me
2042
01:19:35,800 --> 01:19:38,399
Would be very, very different.
2043
01:19:38,399 --> 01:19:39,399
There'll be very little evidence
2044
01:19:39,399 --> 01:19:41,700
Of buildings,
2045
01:19:41,700 --> 01:19:42,566
Very little evidence
2046
01:19:42,566 --> 01:19:44,266
Of the activities of man.
2047
01:19:44,266 --> 01:19:45,199
What we would see
2048
01:19:45,199 --> 01:19:49,132
Would be a jungle of vegetation.
2049
01:19:49,132 --> 01:19:50,499
the future of cities
2050
01:19:50,499 --> 01:19:52,166
In a life after people
2051
01:19:52,166 --> 01:19:53,733
Can be best imagined
2052
01:19:53,733 --> 01:19:57,099
By looking to the past.
2053
01:19:57,166 --> 01:19:58,199
this is minute street
2054
01:19:58,199 --> 01:20:00,066
In Greenwich Village.
2055
01:20:00,066 --> 01:20:01,132
Most new Yorkers might come here
2056
01:20:01,132 --> 01:20:02,166
And wonder why it curves
2057
01:20:02,166 --> 01:20:04,132
Like this.
2058
01:20:04,132 --> 01:20:04,700
It curves
2059
01:20:04,700 --> 01:20:05,865
Because once upon a time
2060
01:20:05,865 --> 01:20:06,999
There was a stream here,
2061
01:20:06,999 --> 01:20:08,466
And then a brook.
2062
01:20:08,466 --> 01:20:09,599
There were more than 40 streams
2063
01:20:09,599 --> 01:20:14,999
On Manhattan island.
2064
01:20:22,399 --> 01:20:23,399
All flowing down
2065
01:20:23,399 --> 01:20:24,700
And carrying the rainwater
2066
01:20:24,700 --> 01:20:27,433
Down to the sea.
2067
01:20:27,433 --> 01:20:28,633
So what happens today?
2068
01:20:28,633 --> 01:20:30,832
The rain falls, the snow melts,
2069
01:20:30,832 --> 01:20:31,466
But it flows
2070
01:20:31,466 --> 01:20:32,865
Right along the street
2071
01:20:32,865 --> 01:20:34,032
And down into that storm drain
2072
01:20:34,032 --> 01:20:35,399
There.
2073
01:20:35,399 --> 01:20:36,266
If there weren't people here
2074
01:20:36,266 --> 01:20:37,466
Anymore, there'll be no one here
2075
01:20:37,466 --> 01:20:38,999
To maintain the sidewalks
2076
01:20:38,999 --> 01:20:40,299
And maintain the streets.
2077
01:20:40,299 --> 01:20:41,766
They'd start to crumble up.
2078
01:20:41,766 --> 01:20:43,499
They'd start to break apart.
2079
01:20:43,499 --> 01:20:44,433
Trees would come back,
2080
01:20:44,433 --> 01:20:45,700
Vegetation would come back,
2081
01:20:45,700 --> 01:20:46,232
And eventually
2082
01:20:46,232 --> 01:20:47,466
The hydrological cycle
2083
01:20:47,466 --> 01:20:48,965
Would reestablish itself.
2084
01:20:48,965 --> 01:20:49,865
And who knows,
2085
01:20:49,865 --> 01:20:51,399
Maybe Minute Street
2086
01:20:51,399 --> 01:20:52,366
Might once again
2087
01:20:52,366 --> 01:20:55,499
Become minute brook.
2088
01:20:55,499 --> 01:20:57,166
using historic maps
2089
01:20:57,166 --> 01:20:58,666
And computer modeling,
2090
01:20:58,666 --> 01:20:59,733
Scientists
2091
01:20:59,733 --> 01:21:01,032
With the Manhattan project
2092
01:21:01,032 --> 01:21:02,800
Are rediscovering
2093
01:21:02,800 --> 01:21:04,032
What Manhattan Island
2094
01:21:04,032 --> 01:21:05,932
Looked like when explorer
2095
01:21:05,932 --> 01:21:07,965
Henry Hudson first sailed
2096
01:21:07,965 --> 01:21:14,199
Around its shores in 1609.
2097
01:21:14,199 --> 01:21:15,899
here we are in Foley square,
2098
01:21:15,899 --> 01:21:16,733
The administrative center
2099
01:21:16,733 --> 01:21:17,965
Of New York City
2100
01:21:17,965 --> 01:21:18,865
And location to the famous
2101
01:21:18,865 --> 01:21:22,299
Courthouses you see on TV.
2102
01:21:22,299 --> 01:21:23,366
This place hasn't always had
2103
01:21:23,366 --> 01:21:24,599
Such colossal buildings
2104
01:21:24,599 --> 01:21:26,299
And stony streets.
2105
01:21:26,299 --> 01:21:28,399
Once upon a time, 400 years ago,
2106
01:21:28,399 --> 01:21:29,666
The collect pond was here,
2107
01:21:29,666 --> 01:21:30,865
The freshwater source
2108
01:21:30,865 --> 01:21:31,766
For New York City.
2109
01:21:31,766 --> 01:21:33,132
Right behind me,
2110
01:21:33,132 --> 01:21:34,399
There was a stream that drained
2111
01:21:34,399 --> 01:21:36,832
Down to the Hudson River shore,
2112
01:21:36,832 --> 01:21:37,399
Another stream
2113
01:21:37,399 --> 01:21:38,865
To the east river.
2114
01:21:38,865 --> 01:21:39,499
And there was
2115
01:21:39,499 --> 01:21:40,132
This beautiful pond
2116
01:21:40,132 --> 01:21:40,733
That was nestled
2117
01:21:40,733 --> 01:21:43,166
In an amphitheater of hills.
2118
01:21:43,166 --> 01:21:44,166
So what would happen
2119
01:21:44,166 --> 01:21:44,700
If all the people
2120
01:21:44,700 --> 01:21:49,599
Were to disappear?
2121
01:21:49,599 --> 01:21:50,066
The buildings,
2122
01:21:50,066 --> 01:21:51,366
They would tumble down.
2123
01:21:51,366 --> 01:21:52,965
The soil would start to reform.
2124
01:21:52,965 --> 01:21:53,832
Trees would start to grow
2125
01:21:53,832 --> 01:21:54,733
Out of them.
2126
01:21:54,733 --> 01:21:56,466
They would become the new hills,
2127
01:21:56,466 --> 01:21:57,199
The new amphitheater
2128
01:21:57,199 --> 01:22:00,965
Around this place.
2129
01:22:00,965 --> 01:22:02,832
Nature would reestablish itself
2130
01:22:02,832 --> 01:22:03,832
And slowly bring this place
2131
01:22:03,832 --> 01:22:05,566
Back into the green heart
2132
01:22:05,566 --> 01:22:07,199
Of what it means to be here
2133
01:22:07,199 --> 01:22:17,599
On planet earth.
2134
01:22:17,599 --> 01:22:19,166
New York city,
2135
01:22:19,166 --> 01:22:20,932
Like the rest of the planet,
2136
01:22:20,932 --> 01:22:34,999
Has changed radically.
2137
01:22:34,999 --> 01:22:36,032
The transformation
2138
01:22:36,032 --> 01:22:39,466
Is most shocking in Times Square.
2139
01:22:39,466 --> 01:22:40,533
As the once beating
2140
01:22:40,533 --> 01:22:43,132
Heart of the city is silenced
2141
01:22:43,132 --> 01:23:17,965
By nature's onslaught.
2142
01:23:17,965 --> 01:23:22,366
It's 10,000 years after people.
2143
01:23:24,199 --> 01:23:25,633
Could it be possible
2144
01:23:25,633 --> 01:23:28,132
After only 10 millennia
2145
01:23:28,132 --> 01:23:29,666
That humanity has vanished
2146
01:23:29,666 --> 01:23:40,733
Without a trace?
2147
01:23:40,733 --> 01:23:42,766
Human scientists once predicted
2148
01:23:42,766 --> 01:23:44,533
That our history and culture
2149
01:23:44,533 --> 01:23:46,166
Would live on through our radio
2150
01:23:46,166 --> 01:23:48,599
And television broadcasts,
2151
01:23:48,599 --> 01:23:49,499
Which carry on
2152
01:23:49,499 --> 01:23:50,266
Through the universe
2153
01:23:50,266 --> 01:23:53,965
Toward the infinite,
2154
01:23:53,965 --> 01:23:55,399
Perhaps to be tuned in
2155
01:23:55,399 --> 01:23:57,166
By an intelligent species
2156
01:23:57,166 --> 01:23:59,633
On a distant planet.
2157
01:23:59,633 --> 01:24:00,166
some people think
2158
01:24:00,166 --> 01:24:01,700
That there's an expanding shell
2159
01:24:01,700 --> 01:24:03,999
Of radio and television
2160
01:24:03,999 --> 01:24:06,700
From earth, expanding outward
2161
01:24:06,700 --> 01:24:09,199
Alerting the universe,
2162
01:24:09,199 --> 01:24:10,299
"here we are
2163
01:24:10,299 --> 01:24:17,166
And this is our culture."
2164
01:24:17,232 --> 01:24:17,899
Unfortunately,
2165
01:24:17,899 --> 01:24:18,999
Recent calculations
2166
01:24:18,999 --> 01:24:21,566
By of all people, the SETI,
2167
01:24:21,566 --> 01:24:22,766
Search for extraterrestrial
2168
01:24:22,766 --> 01:24:25,132
Intelligence group,
2169
01:24:25,132 --> 01:24:26,433
Has shown that all
2170
01:24:26,433 --> 01:24:27,633
Of this dissipates
2171
01:24:27,633 --> 01:24:29,099
Within one and two light-years
2172
01:24:29,099 --> 01:24:32,566
Into noise.
2173
01:24:32,566 --> 01:24:34,299
if this is true,
2174
01:24:34,299 --> 01:24:35,733
Our signals won't even make it
2175
01:24:35,733 --> 01:24:37,266
Out to the newest star
2176
01:24:37,266 --> 01:24:42,832
Beyond the sun.
2177
01:24:45,533 --> 01:24:47,965
So what will remain 10,000 years
2178
01:24:47,965 --> 01:24:50,633
After people to tell the story
2179
01:24:50,633 --> 01:24:52,466
Of the once great civilizations
2180
01:24:52,466 --> 01:24:54,832
That walked the earth?
2181
01:24:54,832 --> 01:24:57,066
Iron corrodes,
2182
01:24:57,066 --> 01:24:59,533
Concrete crumbles,
2183
01:24:59,533 --> 01:25:03,266
Wood and paper decay.
2184
01:25:03,266 --> 01:25:05,066
Still, some of what man
2185
01:25:05,066 --> 01:25:10,132
Built on earth remains.
2186
01:25:10,132 --> 01:25:11,232
The most colossal
2187
01:25:11,232 --> 01:25:13,066
Of our stone structures
2188
01:25:13,066 --> 01:25:15,132
Like the Great Wall of China
2189
01:25:15,132 --> 01:25:17,466
Have aged like mountains,
2190
01:25:17,466 --> 01:25:19,366
Subject to erosion,
2191
01:25:19,366 --> 01:25:21,499
But at such slow time scales,
2192
01:25:21,499 --> 01:25:23,199
They will still be recognizable
2193
01:25:23,199 --> 01:25:27,733
In some form for eons.
2194
01:25:27,733 --> 01:25:29,499
The great pyramid at Giza
2195
01:25:29,499 --> 01:25:31,700
Is so massive that it lasts
2196
01:25:31,700 --> 01:25:33,566
Long enough to be swallowed up
2197
01:25:33,566 --> 01:25:39,999
By the desert sands.
2198
01:25:39,999 --> 01:25:41,433
The hover dam
2199
01:25:41,433 --> 01:25:42,700
Built to be as tough
2200
01:25:42,700 --> 01:25:45,199
As the canyon walls around it
2201
01:25:45,199 --> 01:25:46,199
Is one of the last
2202
01:25:46,199 --> 01:25:47,599
Man-made structures
2203
01:25:47,599 --> 01:25:50,399
Still standing.
2204
01:25:50,399 --> 01:25:53,466
But now thousands of years
2205
01:25:53,466 --> 01:25:54,899
In the future,
2206
01:25:54,899 --> 01:25:56,932
Earth is about to be visited
2207
01:25:56,932 --> 01:25:57,965
By the last
2208
01:25:57,965 --> 01:26:04,533
Of the great collapses.
2209
01:26:04,533 --> 01:26:05,433
it's the environment
2210
01:26:05,433 --> 01:26:07,466
That eventually wins.
2211
01:26:07,466 --> 01:26:18,899
Earthquakes, sandstorms, rain.
2212
01:26:18,899 --> 01:26:21,166
But there are a few exceptions.
2213
01:26:21,166 --> 01:26:22,299
I would have to say
2214
01:26:22,299 --> 01:26:24,433
That mounts Rushmore,
2215
01:26:24,433 --> 01:26:26,999
Carved out of solid granite
2216
01:26:26,999 --> 01:26:30,266
In an ecologically stable place,
2217
01:26:30,266 --> 01:26:32,266
The only enemy it has
2218
01:26:32,266 --> 01:26:35,899
Are wind-driven pellets of rain.
2219
01:26:35,899 --> 01:26:36,800
I think that mount Rushmore
2220
01:26:36,800 --> 01:26:38,166
May be around
2221
01:26:38,166 --> 01:26:39,266
A hundred thousand years,
2222
01:26:39,266 --> 01:26:41,199
Possibly 200.
2223
01:26:41,199 --> 01:26:42,266
Possibly even in time
2224
01:26:42,266 --> 01:26:45,199
To be looked at in awe
2225
01:26:45,199 --> 01:26:46,999
By the earliest
2226
01:26:46,999 --> 01:26:53,366
Of our replacements.
2227
01:26:53,366 --> 01:26:55,166
and who or what might
2228
01:26:55,166 --> 01:26:59,832
Those replacements be?
2229
01:26:59,832 --> 01:27:02,333
Perhaps chimpanzees
2230
01:27:02,333 --> 01:27:06,099
Might somehow make the leap.
2231
01:27:06,099 --> 01:27:08,666
but we have to consider this:
2232
01:27:08,666 --> 01:27:10,333
Some scientists believe
2233
01:27:10,333 --> 01:27:12,499
That it's easy for nature
2234
01:27:12,499 --> 01:27:13,266
To bring animals
2235
01:27:13,266 --> 01:27:15,666
Up to a clever level
2236
01:27:15,666 --> 01:27:17,499
Where they might use tools,
2237
01:27:17,499 --> 01:27:18,533
They might become masters
2238
01:27:18,533 --> 01:27:21,733
Of their environment.
2239
01:27:21,733 --> 01:27:23,099
But the leap to being able
2240
01:27:23,099 --> 01:27:24,700
To stare at the sky
2241
01:27:24,700 --> 01:27:27,965
And imagine a cosmos,
2242
01:27:27,965 --> 01:27:28,865
To be able
2243
01:27:28,865 --> 01:27:30,266
To contemplate yourself,
2244
01:27:30,266 --> 01:27:31,199
To be able to contemplate
2245
01:27:31,199 --> 01:27:35,965
Your own role in the earth,
2246
01:27:35,965 --> 01:27:37,066
This may be a leap
2247
01:27:37,066 --> 01:27:38,599
That was a sheer accident
2248
01:27:38,599 --> 01:27:40,733
For humanity.
2249
01:27:40,733 --> 01:27:41,433
In which case,
2250
01:27:41,433 --> 01:27:42,666
You're not talking
2251
01:27:42,666 --> 01:27:45,132
About a complete recovery.
2252
01:27:45,132 --> 01:27:46,099
You're talking about a planet
2253
01:27:46,099 --> 01:27:49,932
That may continue,
2254
01:27:49,932 --> 01:27:51,466
But nobody to talk about it,
2255
01:27:51,466 --> 01:27:56,399
Nobody to think about it.
2256
01:27:56,466 --> 01:27:57,066
if earth's
2257
01:27:57,066 --> 01:28:00,333
4 1/2 billion years of existence
2258
01:28:00,333 --> 01:28:03,466
Were condensed into 24 hours,
2259
01:28:03,466 --> 01:28:06,299
The passage of 10,000 years
2260
01:28:06,299 --> 01:28:09,366
Would be a fraction of a second.
2261
01:28:09,366 --> 01:28:11,599
Man's time on the planet so far
2262
01:28:11,599 --> 01:28:12,299
Would be
2263
01:28:12,299 --> 01:28:17,333
About half a minute long.
2264
01:28:17,333 --> 01:28:19,299
So, like an abandoned village
2265
01:28:19,299 --> 01:28:21,366
On a global scale,
2266
01:28:21,366 --> 01:28:22,666
The earth will move on
2267
01:28:22,666 --> 01:28:24,333
Without us.
2268
01:28:24,333 --> 01:28:26,266
There was life before people.
2269
01:28:26,965 --> 01:28:31,032
There will be life after people.
141729
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