Studying nature's resilience in nuclear disaster zones

The aftermath of two of the world's worst nuclear disasters provides a rare opportunity to study wildlife adaptation and the emergence of a different ecological balance.

— Annelise Giseburt reports forMongabay.


In short:

  • The Chornobyl and Fukushima disasters offer a unique window into wildlife's response to radiation and human absence.
  • Research results are mixed: while some species thrive, others are negatively affected by radiation.
  • The concept of "a new ecology" emerges, suggesting significant changes in these environments.

Key quote:

“No unprotected human being can stay here for long without lethal risk. But in driving us out, the radiation has created space for wildlife to return.”

— David Attenborough, naturalist and TV presenter

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About the author(s):

EHN Curators
EHN Curators
Articles curated and summarized by the Environmental Health News' curation team. Some AI-based tools helped produce this text, with human oversight, fact checking and editing.

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