The Aftermath of a Global Population Decrease

When discussing scenarios where drastic changes occur, it's intriguing to contemplate how society would respond if the vast majority of the human population suddenly disappeared. While many might jokingly express a wish for such an event, saying it out loud is vastly different from actually experiencing it. In this scenario, we would first observe a profound sense of loneliness, followed by the collapse of many societal infrastructure systems.

Initial Loneliness and Disruption

In the immediate aftermath, people would realize the gravity of their new reality. Life as they knew it would disappear almost overnight. Food deliveries, gas, television, air conditioning, and electricity would vanish. Major cities would be virtually deserted. For instance, in Los Angeles, the city known for its traffic, there would be a dramatic decrease in the number of drivers, from 4 million to just 40,000. The population of Los Angeles, currently around 18.7 million, would drop to about 180,700. Urbanites would find the city too vast and empty, leading survivors to abandon the city in favor of more manageable areas closer to the coast. Places like Santa Monica and Beverly Hills would be highly sought after, while areas like Pasadena would be largely abandoned.

The collapse of infrastructure would lead to the demolition of many structures, with only the most desirable and well-maintained properties remaining. The city would be allowed to reshape itself, presuming there would be sufficient survivors to do so. Cultural artifacts, such as museums and historical areas in downtown Los Angeles, would be preserved, but the city would look and feel entirely different.

Social Transformation and Collapse

The collapse of cities and social structures would be profound. The scarcity of resources, particularly metals and minerals, would prevent the re-emergence of certain technological eras like the Bronze Age or Industrial Age. Instead, a new civilization might evolve, possibly based on wood, stone, or bone, drawing on ancient knowledge. This new civilization would be less about technology and more about sustainable living, using available raw materials and building on the principles of simplicity and efficiency.

Adaptation and Resilience

Despite the vast changes and immediate hardships, society would slowly adapt. There would initially be a period of chaos, but as time progresses, survivors would begin to rebuild and establish new norms. Leadership would become crucial in order to maintain the flow of goods and services. Over time, the new order would stabilize, and people would find ways to thrive in this new world. The availability of jobs and resources would increase, creating a sort of peace dividend.

However, the transition to a new civilization would require significant changes in thinking and behavior. The world would be vastly different, but it could also be better in some ways. The key to success would be the ability to adapt and innovate using the available resources and ancient knowledge. The new world would be challenging, but it would also offer unique opportunities for survival and resilience.

While this scenario may seem dystopian, it also offers a glimpse into the potential for human adaptability and resilience. In many ways, it could be a reboot, a chance to create a society that values sustainability, simplicity, and community over consumerism and technology.