In today’s world, many people are constantly worried about environmental issues. They stress over the air we breathe, the water we drink, the soil we grow our food in, and the chemicals used in agriculture. Concerns about endangered species, food additives, and pollutants like radon gas and asbestos are common. But let’s take a step back and think about what it means to “save” endangered species.
Throughout Earth’s history, over 90% of all species that have ever existed are now extinct. This isn’t because humans wiped them out; it’s simply a natural process. Species evolve, adapt, and sometimes disappear. Currently, about 25 species go extinct every day, regardless of human actions. This is part of nature’s cycle, and perhaps we should let it happen without interference.
Humans often believe they have the power to save everything—trees, bees, whales, and even the entire planet. However, we still struggle with basic issues like taking care of each other. It’s important to recognize our limitations and understand that the planet has been around for billions of years. It has survived natural disasters far more severe than anything humans have caused.
While it’s crucial to care for our environment, we must also acknowledge that the Earth is resilient. It has withstood earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and cosmic events. The idea that plastic bags and aluminum cans could significantly harm the planet might be overstated. The Earth will continue to exist long after we are gone, adapting and evolving as it always has.
Natural disasters remind us of the planet’s power and resilience. If plastic doesn’t degrade, the Earth will incorporate it into its systems. The planet doesn’t judge or discriminate against materials like plastic; it simply adapts. In the grand scheme of things, the Earth might see humans as a temporary challenge, one it can overcome.
Instead of worrying about every little detail, we should focus on understanding our place in the universe. We are part of a larger system, a “big electron” that doesn’t judge or punish. It simply exists, and so do we, for a brief moment in time. Let’s appreciate this moment and strive to live in harmony with the world around us.
Choose an extinct species and research its history, causes of extinction, and its role in the ecosystem. Prepare a presentation to share your findings with the class, highlighting the natural cycle of life and extinction.
Participate in a class debate on whether humans should intervene to save endangered species or let nature take its course. Prepare arguments for both sides and engage in a respectful discussion with your peers.
Conduct an analysis of a local environmental issue, such as pollution or habitat destruction. Evaluate human impact and propose realistic solutions that balance human needs with environmental preservation.
Write a short story or poem from the Earth’s perspective, reflecting on its resilience and adaptability. Consider how the planet views human activities and its own natural processes.
Watch a documentary about Earth’s history and resilience, such as “Planet Earth” or “Our Planet.” After viewing, discuss in groups how the documentary’s themes relate to the concepts of human impact and the Earth’s adaptability.
I’m not one of those people who worries about everything. There are many individuals like that around us. The country seems full of them now—people who walk around all day long, concerned about the air, the water, the soil, insecticides, pesticides, food additives, carcinogens, radon gas, asbestos, and saving endangered species.
Let me tell you about endangered species: saving them is just another attempt by humans to control nature. It’s a form of meddling that has caused us trouble in the first place. Doesn’t anyone understand that interfering with nature is not the solution? Over 90% of all species that have ever lived on this planet are gone; they’re extinct. We didn’t kill them all; they just disappeared. That’s what nature does—species come and go. These days, species are disappearing at the rate of 25 a day, regardless of our behavior.
We should let them go gracefully and leave nature alone. Haven’t we done enough? We are so self-important, thinking we can save everything—save the trees, save the bees, save the whales, and even save the planet. What are we kidding ourselves about? We don’t even know how to take care of ourselves yet. We haven’t learned how to care for one another, and yet we think we can save the planet.
I’m tired of the constant focus on Earth Day and the self-righteous environmentalists who believe the only issue in this country is the lack of bicycle paths. Environmentalists often seem more concerned about their own comfort than the planet itself. They want a clean place to live, worried that they might be personally inconvenienced in the future.
But there is nothing wrong with the planet. The planet is fine; the people are the problem. The planet has been here for four and a half billion years. We’ve only been around for a tiny fraction of that time, and we’ve only been engaged in heavy industry for a little over 200 years. It’s arrogant to think we are a threat to this beautiful blue-green ball floating around the sun.
The planet has endured far worse than us—earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, solar flares, and cosmic events. We think that plastic bags and aluminum cans are going to make a difference? The planet isn’t going anywhere; we are.
If you want to know how the planet is doing, ask those who have experienced natural disasters. The planet will be here long after we are gone, and it will heal itself. If plastic is not degradable, the planet will simply incorporate it into a new paradigm. The Earth doesn’t share our prejudices towards plastic; it sees it as just another part of its existence.
Perhaps the planet views us as a mild threat, something to be dealt with. If the planet were to defend itself, it might use viruses, which are always mutating and forming new strains. Maybe it could create something that compromises our immune systems, making us vulnerable to other diseases.
I don’t worry about the little things—bees, trees, whales, or snails. I believe we are part of a greater wisdom that we may never fully understand. I call it the big electron. It doesn’t punish or judge; it just exists, and so do we, for a little while. Thank you for being here with me for this moment.
Environment – The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates, often focusing on the natural world. – The environment plays a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth, providing essential resources like air, water, and food.
Species – A group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding. – Conservation efforts are critical to protect endangered species from extinction due to habitat loss and climate change.
Extinction – The state or process of a species, family, or larger group being or becoming extinct, meaning no longer in existence. – The extinction of the dodo bird serves as a historical example of the impact of human activity on biodiversity.
Resilience – The capacity of an ecosystem or species to recover quickly from difficulties or changes, maintaining functionality and structure. – Coral reefs demonstrate resilience by adapting to changing ocean temperatures, although their limits are being tested by climate change.
Nature – The inherent qualities or characteristics of the physical world, including plants, animals, landscapes, and other features and products of the earth. – Philosophers often debate humanity’s relationship with nature and the ethical implications of environmental conservation.
Responsibility – The state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone, often related to ethical or moral obligations. – Individuals and corporations have a responsibility to reduce their carbon footprint to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Impact – The effect or influence of one thing on another, particularly in the context of environmental changes or human activities. – The impact of deforestation on global biodiversity is profound, leading to habitat loss and species extinction.
Adaptation – The process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment, often in response to environmental pressures. – Adaptation strategies are essential for communities to cope with the adverse effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels.
Concerns – Worries or issues that are important or significant, often relating to environmental or ethical matters. – There are growing concerns about the sustainability of current agricultural practices and their long-term impact on soil health.
Harmony – A state of balance or agreement, often referring to the relationship between humans and the natural world. – Achieving harmony with nature requires sustainable practices that respect ecological limits and promote biodiversity.
