Introduction
It is important to note that modern civilization is held primarily by the large networks of infrastructure regularly maintained and improved by humans. A sudden disappearance of humanity will mark the downfall of all human-made structures and objects, starting with the most perishable elements to the most enduring ones, such as plastic and nuclear waste. Honolulu is a highly interesting case to examine under such conditions since it is a remotely located island, which means it will be minimally impacted by the chains of events and changes on the main continents.
One Year
It should be noted that a one-year period is rather a short time for the disappearance of humans to manifest on the landscape. However, the most impactful and noticeable difference would be seen in the fauna of Honolulu and the island in general. One year will be insufficient to tear down the cement structures built by humans or the asphalt roads, but it is enough time to cause great hunger among those who are left to continue to live on in this new world free of humans. The book clearly states that the disappearance of humans will lead to a massive explosion of predators since many domesticated animals will become available as prey for carnivores. Across many continents, cows, sheep, and pigs will be hunted down by local predators, such as wolves, bears, and big cats. In other words, predators will take over in order to feed and feast on the plentiful stocks of food left by humanity, and one year is sufficient to make this explosion happen.
However, the island of Oahu, with its city of Honolulu, will have a strikingly different experience compared to the mainland, primarily due to the local fauna’s isolated nature. The author writes, “although cunningly adapted over a few thousand years to human comforts—cats that never venture outdoors generally live far longer—domestic cats, Temple and Coleman report, never lost their hunting instincts” (Weisman, 2007, p. 197). The local fauna of the island has no natural predators that are superior to cats or dogs, which are mostly limited to small snakes. Therefore, a one-year-long hunger will likely tune up the hunting instincts of cats to newer heights of predatory behavior, possibly causing an ecological disaster on the island.
Dogs are more domesticated to humans than cats making them more dependent on the latter. In other words, it is not likely that dogs will be the ones to dominate the island as its fiercest predators. Firstly, dogs tend to be larger in size, and thus, they require more food. Secondly, dogs are less skilled hunters than cats, which makes them more vulnerable to hunger. These two factors will mean that dogs will probably not find enough food to survive the year, while cats will. Therefore, other continents, such as Asia, Europe, or Africa, will be dominated by their large predators, including wolves, big cats, and other large carnivores, where domesticated animals will probably become prey. However, Honolulu will experience the reverse scenario, where house cats will roam free to prey upon local fauna. Considering the large population of cats, they will likely drive many species to extinction, destroying their own ecosystem.
Hundred Years
In hundred years, many massive changes in the Honolulu landscape will take place, beginning with the most common structure on the planet. Homes, houses, and residential buildings will collapse within this period primarily due to water leaks in the system, causing quick erosion of essential parts. The author writes that under a moderate climate, “amid the trees, half-concealed by a spreading understory, lie aluminum dishwasher parts and stainless steel cookware, their plastic handles splitting but still solid” (Weisman, 2007, p. 18). In other words, plant life will take over the cities and urban areas within a century, making them green and post-apocalyptically abandoned. It will signify the nature takeover over humanity’s hotspots of past inhabitance. However, many houses and residential buildings, as well as average buildings in general, are not made to be durable on their own since they depend on the constant intervention and maintenance of humans. A leaking sink is usually quickly fixed by the owner or plumber, but the absence of humans will mean that homes will no longer be maintained.
Within a century, it is likely that the homes of Honolulu will disappear due to erosion and degradation. The primary driver of the change will be water itself, which will come from leaking tubes or rains. Cement, wood, and other building materials will erode away with water, which might also be accelerated by larger and smaller animals entering these homes through brute force and using them as their own. Only metal will persevere even after 500 years, which is why the landscape will mostly be greenery, trees, and the last remaining non-collapsed buildings, such as monuments and statues. However, most homes will be gone with only eroded walls and metals remaining.
Thousand Years
A millennium after humans will disappear, the world will become unrecognizable, yet more natural than ever. The only structures left will include the likes of the pyramids of Giza and marble monuments. Honolulu will likely no longer exist with the exception of various memorials, such as the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, or statues, such as the statue of Duke Kahanamoku. However, the city and the island itself will become as of humans did not step foot on it. The local bridges and skyscrapers will collapse into dust with only a few pieces of metal remaining.
However, the book makes it clear that within such a long time, only a few pieces of evidence will be truly long-lasting. These include radioactive materials, plastics, bronze statues, and ceramics (Weisman, 2007). When it comes to plastic, it will never disappear, but it will degrade into microplastic form, and no plastic water bottle will exist within a millennium. Every plastic item will be destroyed, but plastic molecules will become part of the ecosystem of Honolulu.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Honolulu will experience similar events as the rest of the world, with the exception of the local fauna. Within a year period, cats will overtake the island, becoming its top predators, and they might even lead to the ecosystem’s collapse due to overhunting and driving many species to extinction. Within a century, plant life will make Honolulu greener than ever since plants and trees will be growing everywhere. Within a millennium, no buildings will be left standing except for some bronze statues. Only microplastic, ceramics and nuclear wastes will be the evidence of human existence. It is clear that many cities will cease to exist, and the landscape will be totally consumed by wildlife.
Reference
Weisman, A. (2007). The world without us. Thomas Dunne Books.