What would happen to the Earth if humans became extinct?

Humans have a huge -- not always good -- impact on this planet

Published October 1, 2014 3:50PM (EDT)

          (AP/NASA)
(AP/NASA)

What would happen to Earth if all humans died? BBC Worldwide's "Earth Unplugged" made a video attempting to answer this hypothetical question.

It looks into what would happen to everything from domesticated animals and plants, parasites that feed on humans, to man-made objects like cities, subways and damns.

This video inadvertently demonstrates the overwhelming environmental impact humans have on Earth, and why we must help lessen the negative effects. Watch below:

h/t Gizmodo


By Sarah Gray

Sarah Gray is an assistant editor at Salon, focusing on innovation. Follow @sarahhhgray or email sgray@salon.com.

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Animals Biology Earth Extinction Humans Sustainability Video