The extinction of humanity is a scenario of imagination, but the traces we leave behind are not entirely fictional.
Plastic Waste Will Persist on Earth
Plastic waste is a product of human societal progress, characterized by its lightweight, durability, and multifunctionality, making it widely used in daily life and industrial production. However, the extensive use of these plastic materials has led to a pressing issue: plastic waste has existed on Earth for a very long time. This waste stands as one of the strongest pieces of evidence of human presence and poses a significant challenge we must confront.
Plastic waste does not decompose naturally; it is estimated that a typical plastic bag takes nearly 1,000 years to fully break down, while a plastic bottle can take over 500 years. This means that every plastic product we use in our lives, every piece of plastic waste, will persist on Earth for hundreds, if not thousands, of years from the moment it is produced.
Investing in research and development of recycling technology and promoting waste sorting and recycling systems are crucial means to address this issue. (Image: National Geographic)
These plastic wastes are often left in oceans, rivers, and forests, causing severe damage to ecosystems. Fish, birds, marine creatures, and even entire ecosystems are threatened as they ingest plastic waste or become entangled and die.
Plastic waste also poses a significant threat to humanity. Chemicals from plastic waste gradually leach out, infiltrating soil and water sources, ultimately entering our food chain. These chemicals can have detrimental effects on our health, including endocrine disruption, immune system issues, and increased cancer risk. Additionally, the presence of plastic waste detracts from urban aesthetics and environmental hygiene, leading to substantial negative impacts on our environment and quality of life.
Confronting this long-standing issue, we must take proactive action. Reducing plastic use is crucial. We can opt for alternative biodegradable materials such as paper and bamboo, and actively recycle and reuse plastic products.
Plastic waste has existed on Earth for a very long time and is strong evidence of human traces. Its presence threatens our environment, ecosystems, and health. (Image: National Geographic).
Buildings and Ruins Will Last Thousands of Years or More
Humans have created many stunning buildings and monuments that not only showcase our intelligence and creativity but also serve as witnesses to history.
The Pyramids of Egypt are among the most famous architectural works in the world, serving as tombs for pharaohs and regarded as symbols of eternity. The architecture of these structures remains inspiring, having endured the ravages of sand and war for thousands of years yet still standing strong. The Pyramids of Egypt are masterpieces of human creativity and engineering, and their existence provides us with valuable clues about ancient civilizations.
The Pyramids of Egypt are masterpieces of human creativity and engineering. (Illustration: ZME).
The Parthenon in Ancient Greece, built in 440 BC, captivates with its solemnity and grandeur. Despite surviving earthquakes, wars, and natural erosion, the building retains part of its original form. The Parthenon not only showcases the architectural techniques of ancient Greeks but also symbolizes their veneration of the divine. Each stone carries history and legend, making this building an eternal witness.
In Latin America, the Maya left behind astonishing ruins. Maya architecture expertly blends astronomical, mathematical, and religious elements to create remarkable buildings and cities. For example, the ruins of the Maya city of Cultura feature extensive, intricately carved structures and a complex hydraulic system, showcasing the prosperity of Maya civilization. Even hundreds of years after the collapse of Maya civilization, these ruins continue to spark curiosity and become popular destinations for archaeologists and tourists.
Beyond these famous buildings and monuments, many more examples exist around the world. Their existence is a testament to human ingenuity and creativity, serving as a bridge between the past and the present.
The Parthenon showcases the architectural techniques of ancient Greeks. (Illustration: ZME).
The human traces that last thousands of years or even longer are not only astonishing but also provide us with valuable historical information. By studying these buildings and ruins, we can understand the lifestyles, religious beliefs, and technological advancements of ancient civilizations. At the same time, these human traces inspire modern individuals and fill us with hope and creativity for the future.
In the future, humanity will continue to build more structures and leave our own traces. These constructions will become witnesses for future generations, recording our civilization and progress. Whether ancient pyramids or modern skyscrapers, they will continue to endure through the river of time, leaving precious memories for humankind.
Human buildings and monuments symbolize our intelligence and creativity, enduring over time. The Pyramids of Egypt, the Parthenon in Greece, and the ruins of Cultura are all eternal witnesses, providing us with valuable clues to understand ancient civilizations. These human traces are not only spectacular but also inspire us to create a better future. Let us cherish these traces and pass them on to future generations, so that they can continue to harness human intellect and creativity.
The ancient city of Petra. (Illustration: ZME)
Nuclear Pollution Will Have Long-lasting Effects on the Environment
As a form of clean and efficient energy, nuclear power has provided humanity with limitless development opportunities. However, the frightening aspect of nuclear power is nuclear pollution, which causes long-lasting and far-reaching impacts on the environment. Nuclear pollution refers to the harm caused by radioactive substances released from nuclear activities to the environment and living organisms.
Nuclear activities such as nuclear power generation and nuclear testing release large amounts of radioactive substances that can spread into the atmosphere. Some heavy radioactive elements, such as uranium and plutonium, have long half-lives and persist in the atmosphere, causing damage to living organisms. Consequently, nuclear pollution not only permanently alters air quality but also causes extensive ecological and biodiversity damage.
Radioactive substances released from nuclear activities can infiltrate groundwater and water bodies, affecting the safety of human drinking water. These radioactive materials are toxic to living organisms and can cause serious health issues. Prolonged exposure to nuclear-contaminated water can lead to cancer, reproductive problems, immune system damage, and other diseases. Furthermore, nuclear pollution also leads to the death of aquatic life, disrupting the balance of entire underwater ecosystems and severely impacting fishing industries.
Nuclear pollution is a byproduct of nuclear energy activities and has long-lasting impacts on the environment and living organisms. (Image: Zhihu).
Radioactive substances infiltrate the soil and accumulate over time, affecting soil quality. Contaminated soil cannot adequately provide nutrients needed by plants, leading to stunted growth. The toxicity of certain radioactive materials can also cause plants to grow abnormally or even fail to develop properly. This has significant implications for agricultural production, thereby affecting food supply and food security.
Nuclear pollution also negatively impacts biodiversity and the stability of ecosystems. Radioactive substances damage the DNA and cells of living organisms, leading to the emergence of genetic variations and gene mutations. These mutations can result in genomic instability, hinder reproductive and adaptive capabilities of organisms, ultimately causing species extinction and ecosystem collapse.
