National Geographic Specials Season 1 Episode 9 Aftermath: Population Zero

Aftermath: Population Zero is a fascinating episode from the National Geographic Specials series, exploring what would happen to the world if humans suddenly disappeared. The episode begins with a hypothetical scenario of the sudden and complete disappearance of all human beings from the planet. With no one to maintain infrastructure, power plants would stop working and cities would soon run out of electricity. As the days go by, the world would become increasingly silent and desolate.

The documentary takes viewers on a journey to explore various aspects of what would happen to the Earth after humans are gone. In the absence of human intervention, nature would begin to reclaim its territory. Without people to mow lawns, parks and gardens would transform into wild and untamed landscapes. Similarly, without the use of pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals, pests would flourish, and animals would begin to thrive.

Gradually, the structures that humans built would start to crumble and return to the earth. This is especially true for structures in areas of high humidity or those prone to natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods. Buildings would likely collapse due to neglect or without maintenance.

The documentary also explores the impact of humans being gone on the animal kingdom. There would be no one to feed pets or farm animals, so many would likely perish from starvation. However, animals kept in zoos and sanctuaries might have a chance of survival. At first, they might continue to live in captivity, but eventually, they would break free and become wild. The episode also highlights how wildlife populations would increase as hunting and poaching would cease.

Aftermath: Population Zero also touches upon the environmental impact of humans being gone. Without industries and transportation systems to emit greenhouse gases and other pollutants, the environment would start to show signs of rapid recovery. Clean air, clean water, and the absence of pollution-induced illnesses would start to emerge.

However, not everything would be rosy. The episode also explores the dangerous and unpredictable outcome of the sudden disappearance of humans. For example, the world would be plunged into nuclear disaster if no one were around to maintain and safeguard nuclear reactors. The water supply would also be in jeopardy if no one were there to operate and maintain dams, reservoirs, and other water infrastructure.

Overall, Aftermath: Population Zero is a thought-provoking documentary that explores the impact of humanity’s sudden disappearance from the planet. The episode is presented through a series of simulations and digital reconstructions designed to provide an accurate account of what the world would look like without us. Watching this episode, you will be left pondering the fate of humanity and the planet in case of such a hypothetical event.