BBC Science Focus Magazine writer Jules Howard discusses how humanity will be burying its dead in a few
According to a study whose results werepublished in an academic journal earlier this year, a quarter of council-owned cemeteries in the UK will be full within 10 years. And every sixth cemetery – within five years. To avoid this, graves can be recycled. This approach is already used in Germany, and something similar exists in Spain and Greece.
Another option – cremation.The British often turn to it, but from an environmental point of view it is considered harmful. Thus, when burned, several hundred kilograms of carbon dioxide are released. In addition, mercury from dental fillings also evaporates.
Можно и ускорить процесс разложения тела. Например, гроб из мицелия позволяет увеличить скорость разложения в три раза.
However, even if all these technologies areapplied, it will also require adjustment of people's behavior. Nowadays, many still strive to visit a place associated with the dead in order to express their respect to them, to mourn them, etc. And if the population grows as rapidly in the future as it does now, then it will be necessary to change mourning practices.
After death, the body can not only be donatedscience. As a memory of yourself, you have the opportunity to leave a vinyl record with your own voice and any music (andvinyly.com does this), take part in the Body Worlds exhibition, and test car safety systems. Another method – place the ashes in a biodegradable Bios Urn containing soil for germinating tree seeds.
Source: BBC Science Focus Magazine