This has actually happened in real life, but on a relatively small scale compared to globally.
The Chernobyl disaster in Northern Ukraine in 1986 rendered the close city of Pripyat inhabitable and was virtually abandoned overnight.
I've seen a couple of eerie documentaries on this city, which has been completely taken over by nature now. Buildings are still standing as it was only about 35 years ago.
The documentary guys went into the old school and the children's books were still on the tables, it was very strange to watch, yet fascinating too.
It could be hundreds of years before it's safe for people to go back, by which time the whole area will be a huge forest?