Question

What would happen to the human civilization if we were to lose all light from the sun for a year? Assuming we still get the heat, UV rays, etc., just lose the visible light.

Answer 1

If human civilization were to lose all visible light from the Sun for a year while still receiving heat and other forms of radiation like UV rays, it would have significant and far-reaching consequences. Here are some potential effects:

1. Photosynthesis and plant growth: Visible light is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy. Without visible light, plant growth would be severely affected, leading to widespread crop failures and a disruption in the food chain. This would result in food shortages, famine, and potential ecosystem collapse.

2. Ecosystem disruption: The loss of visible light would disrupt ecosystems as plants form the foundation of most terrestrial food chains. Herbivores and other organisms that depend on plants for food and shelter would struggle to survive, leading to a cascading effect on higher trophic levels.

3. Energy production: Solar power, which relies on capturing visible light for electricity generation, would become ineffective. Solar panels would generate little to no electricity, leading to a significant loss in renewable energy production.

4. Human activities: The absence of visible light would have numerous direct impacts on human activities. Indoor and outdoor lighting would be virtually impossible without artificial light sources. Agricultural practices would have to heavily rely on artificial lighting to grow crops. Industries dependent on light-sensitive processes, such as photography, printing, and certain manufacturing processes, would face significant challenges.

5. Psychological and physiological effects: Humans rely on exposure to natural light for regulating circadian rhythms and maintaining mental and physical well-being. The absence of visible light for an extended period could lead to disruptions in sleep patterns, mood disorders, vitamin D deficiencies, and a range of other health issues.

It's important to note that losing all visible light for a year would be an extreme scenario, and the consequences would be profound and likely catastrophic. The interconnectedness of ecosystems and the reliance of human activities on visible light make it a vital component for sustaining life as we know it.