It might be tempting to think that our society is invincible, but the truth is that nature can easily take over even the sturdiest of structures. The smallest gaps in our buildings or equipment can serve as a gateway for nature to assert its dominance. To illustrate this point, we’ve gathered 21 images showcasing how nature is gradually reclaiming various places and objects.

There’s been a whole lot of talk about what would happen to the Earth if humans were suddenly not around anymore. You’ve probably seen all sorts of shows and read plenty of books that have explored this idea, and a bunch of them come to the same conclusion: nature would reclaim everything at lightning speed. It’s likely that within just a year or two, cities would be overrun with plants and our buildings would start to fall apart without anyone to maintain them or keep the energy flowing. In fact, there’s even a show called Life After People on the History Channel that has a super detailed timeline for when they think famous landmarks all over the world would finally give in to nature and collapse. One of the places they talk about is the Old Piano Tree in California.

The city of Hong Kong is witnessing a unique sight where the trees are pushing their way against the concrete.

The abandoned railway track that lies within the heart of Paris.

On Vashon Island in Washington state, a tree has devoured a bike.

If you’re ever in Bangkok, you might want to check out the abandoned shopping mall that’s now home to schools of fish. It’s a quirky and fascinating sight that piques the interest of many tourists.

A mill in Sorrento, Italy, that has been left abandoned but remains resilient through the years.

The abandoned Ferris wheel.

Belgium is home to a unique car destination – the Vintage Car Graveyard. It is a place where vintage and classic cars go to rest. This location is a vast and sprawling site that is home to rusting, abandoned vehicles from different eras.

The graveyard features a variety of cars, from the rarest classics to the most popular models. The abandoned cars are left to decay, and nature has taken over, with weeds growing around them. For those who appreciate classic cars, the Vintage Car Graveyard is a fascinating sight to behold.

Although some might view it as a sad sight, the Vintage Car Graveyard is a reminder of how time passes and how things eventually come to an end. It is also a place where enthusiasts can appreciate the beauty of classic cars and reflect on their role in shaping our culture.

If you’re ever in Belgium, and you’re a lover of classic cars, the Vintage Car Graveyard is an excellent place to visit.

There is an abandoned mining town located in Namibia that has been left to decay over time. The town was once bustling with activity and was a hub for the mining industry, but now it stands as a haunting reminder of the past. The buildings are dilapidated and the streets are empty, giving off an eerie vibe to those who visit. It’s a fascinating place to explore, but also serves as a stark reminder of how quickly things can change. Despite the town’s current state, it still holds traces of its former glory, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and exploration.

Paris has a railway that has been left deserted for over a century and a half.

Down in Sydney, Australia, there’s this old ship that’s been abandoned for well over a hundred years now. It’s been hanging around for 102 years and nobody’s bothered to give it a bit of TLC.

The resilience of nature is truly awe-inspiring. Just take a look at how tree roots can break through solid brick sidewalks in their quest for survival. Even though we construct barriers, trees will stop at nothing to access the nutrients and water they require to thrive. We cannot contain or predict nature’s power and adaptability, but we can certainly appreciate it. Let us embrace the strength and perseverance of these majestic trees and their roots, and strive towards a harmonious coexistence with the natural world.

A deserted manor located near Kilgarvan, Ireland.

A deserted railway station located in Abkhazia, Georgia.

Belgium’s I.M. Cooling Tower, also called the cooling tower, is an impressive edifice that’s definitely worth checking out.

A quiet and abandoned fishing settlement located in Kamchatka, Russia.

Let’s talk about Angkor, one of the most fascinating destinations in Cambodia.

A Room in Abandoned Lodging

Pripyat is an abandoned city in Ukraine that has been left uninhabitable due to radioactive contamination. This ghost town bears a haunting reminder of the catastrophic Chernobyl disaster that occurred in 1986.