If all the cars and lights in the world were turned off for a day, how much impact on earth?

Question

If all the cars were stopped, all lights turned off for a day, how much of an impact would it have on the earth?

Answer 1

It would be dark and I wouldnt have to go to work

Answer 2

Interesting thought experiment.  I think you should add all energy plants and close all airports as well -- it's stunning the amount of pollution released by the take-off and landings of commercial aircraft.

The sad answer is that one day would be the proverbial "drop in the bucket" when it comes to the collective benefit for the planet.

I'm sure that tons of CO2 wouldn't be pumped into the air, which is a great perk.  Yet I think the time frame doesn't allow for any sustained or meaningful results from the effort.

A "big picture" initiative is needed for the sake of humanity and the Earth.

The link bellow is for Alan Weisman's book "The World Without Us".  A thought experiment on a grand scale.  Just what would happen to the planet if all mankind vanished one night.  Pretty amazing read!

Answer 3

Slim to none...and Slim just walked out the door! Good idea though, but you still would have all those buses, trains, planes and ships etc. Not to mention a zillion factories, cranes and power tools to beat the band. All kinds of other junk crankin' out the S**t. It would take years to change anything.

Answer 4

None because to much damage has been done it would take more days then you been alive to have an impact on the environment.

Answer 5

Lots of stupid, useless people would panic and die, and I would just go for a bike ride in the mountains. People are too dependent on cars and electricity. Sure, they make life easier (sometimes), but mostly they just cost money and lives, and are more trouble than they are worth. I have food and water stored, bikes to ride, candles and oil lamps, guns and ammo, and books to read. Bring it on. Nothing could make me happier.

Answer 6

To start people would die. No lights no hospitals, no surgery, no water from pumps or city supplies, babies in incubators in NICU are in trouble and you better hope you don't need a defibulator.

No cars, no ambulances or firetrucks or police cars. No food delivery, so no milk for children.

As for impact on the earth, after all the people dependent on electrical power or emergency surgery died there would be fewer to use resources but as has been shown in past power outages those dead people would be replaced about 9 months later.

  The problem is that one forest fire or volcanic eruption would overshadow anything you gained by shutting off lights and not using a car.

Answer 7

damage isn't done in one day, and problems like global warming can not be changed or fixed in one day. no effect

Answer 8

None...because that's impossible...

Answer 9

One obvious impact would be that hundreds of millions of people would not get to work.  That might make a fairly significant impact.