Scientists have introduced the term *Anthropocene* to define the current geological era. Although debates persist on its exact starting point, many suggest it began roughly 200 years ago with the Industrial Revolution, marking a period of intensified human influence on the planet’s ecosystems. The shift from the Holocene to the Anthropocene signifies a new epoch dominated by humanity’s impact.
The layers of rock forming today will serve as a record of human activity long after our time. Future researchers may encounter traces of nuclear tests, widespread plastic deposits, remnants of fossil fuel combustion, and vast amounts of concrete used in urban expansion. Concurrently, findings from the World Wide Fund for Nature and the British Zoological Society indicate a 73% average decline in global wildlife populations over the last five decades, driven primarily by habitat destruction.
As humans have migrated to cities, they have distanced themselves from natural environments and wildlife. Yet, a lingering connection to nature persists. In response to the degradation of the natural world, people have turned to carefully constructed, artificial representations of nature—designed to provide comfort and familiarity.
Over the past six years, I have traveled to 14 countries across four continents, witnessing the ways people engage with increasingly fabricated landscapes. Visitors enjoy artificial beaches, zoos with meticulously designed habitat displays, and amusement parks offering simulated jungle adventures. They observe marine life in controlled aquariums and polar bears in shopping mall enclosures, surrounded by imitation ice and snow. Meanwhile, in Dubai, skiers glide down manufactured slopes in 48°C heat.
Near Berlin, the Tropical Islands resort offers an enclosed tropical environment under a massive sealed dome. Inside, guests encounter a sandy beach, a 10,000-square-meter rainforest, a waterfall, and a mangrove habitat with live turtles, exotic fish, flamingos, and parrots. The space is so expansive that hot-air balloon rides are possible, floating above visitors on the synthetic shoreline.
Walt Disney World in Florida spans nearly 100 square kilometers, comparable in size to Paris. Since opening in 1971, it has become the most visited theme park globally, attracting over 47 million visitors in 2022. Among its attractions is Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where approximately nine million guests explore a recreated African landscape featuring elephants, rhinos, and simulated villages—all accessible from electric mobility scooters. Experiences such as the Kilimanjaro Safari and Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail provide controlled encounters with wildlife.
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