The great abandonment: what happens to the natural world when people disappear?

In this discussion, Tess McClure, an environmental writer, delves into the intriguing subject of land abandonment and its impact on nature. She highlights Bulgaria's declining village of Turkmen, reflecting on urbanization and depopulation. Tess explains how ecosystems thrive in abandoned areas, revealing nature's resilience as flora and fauna reclaim urban spaces. She contrasts abandoned landscapes with those maintained by humans, advocating for intentional stewardship over viewing absence as purely beneficial. This exploration reveals the delicate balance between human activity and ecological health.