The world has its own consciousness. I suspect based on evidence that it's like a comatose patient. Still alive but the more we purify the Arehtei, and restore bits of the world...signs of life occur. But that doesn't change right now without a crystal it will drain anyone of their emotions completely to stay alive a little longer. It's like a person. People will do anything to stay alive.

[As they near the coliseum there are voices on the wind. He can't tell who they are or what they're saying. Probably for the best he assumes as he looks to Inaba.] What did you do?