What would planet Earth be like without the existence of humans? [vídeo]

Imagining the Earth without human presence is an exercise that invites reflection on our impact on the environment. As we witness rising global temperatures, increasing pollution and the destruction of natural habitats, it becomes easy to question whether the planet would be healthier and more balanced without us. A newly released video explores this hypothesis and illustrates what the Earth would be like if humans had never existed – a vision that could surprise and provoke a new perspective on our role on the planet.

We are currently around 8.2 billion people, in a presence that encompasses almost every habitable region of the globe. The truth is, without our influence, the Earth would be drastically different. In terms of fauna, the distribution of animals would change radically. Without hunting pressure and human occupation of natural spaces, species that are currently confined to certain areas could roam freely. It would be possible to observe tigers, lions and other species of large mammals inhabiting vast areas of forest and savannah throughout Europe and Asia, while large herbivores and predators at risk of extinction would be in abundance.

Without the constant pressure of urban and agricultural development, vegetation would thrive. It is estimated that, without human presence, an area equivalent to 10 football fields would be restored every minute. Over the course of a year, this represents an area slightly larger than Denmark undergoing reforestation, where some of our largest cities are today located.

Another visible impact would be on the state of the ozone layer, which, without the emissions of polluting gases caused by industry and motor vehicles, would possibly be more stable and intact. Oceans, free of shipwrecks and industrial waste, would have cleaner waters and less disturbed marine biodiversity.

Ironically, much of the positive work that humans currently do to protect the environment is an effort to mitigate the damage previously done. Tree planting initiatives and species conservation programs are direct responses to the destruction we have unleashed ourselves. This paradox reveals the complexity of our role: while we are a destructive force, we also take responsibility for preserving and restoring the environment around us.

The vision of an Earth without humans can be heartbreaking or, for others, an ecological utopia. The video suggests, however, that the real issue perhaps lies in our ability to rethink and reinvent our relationship with the planet – not as mere consumers, but as conscious and responsible guardians of a natural heritage that we should never take for granted.

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