While humans have evolved with their
ecosystems, they have not done so without harm to the biodiversity of the
planet. In fact, humans have wreaked havoc on other life forms and destroyed
much natural habitat in their push to fulfil their desires. However, the
destruction of the diversity required for human existence has reached a tipping
point, and, if the human race is to survive, it must come to the realization
that it is merely one aspect of the web of life and not the center of that web.
Humans must learn to respect the needs of other
living creatures, including plant life, and begin to tread lightly on the
Earth. We have destroyed much, but, by reversing our course and learning to
honor the biodiversity required for our continued existence, we can find a way
to live in harmony on this planet. The richer the diversity of life, the
greater the opportunity for medical discoveries, economic development, and
adaptive responses to such new challenges as climate change.
Henri Frederic Amiel once said, “Destiny has
two ways of crushing us…by refusing our wishes…and by fulfilling them.” (Henri
Fredric Amiel). In other words we are destroying our livelihoods all on our own
the earth and its many creatures are not to blame. Genesis 2:15 says, “The Lord
GOD took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” Are
we going to admit that we are failing the master of creation in keeping the
environment, or we are going to come together and save it? Not just for
ourselves but for the millions of plant and animal species we depend on for
survival.
