On this American holiday of Thanksgiving, most of us will give thanks for our human possessions and relationships. But our lives, our health and our society are dependent upon the background support of Earth's natural ecosystems.
Those who do focus on the benefits of nature are likely to mention spectacular sunsets, beautiful scenery, wondrous night skies and the inspiration of our magnificent diversity of wildlife. In referring to the latter, there will be reference to eagles, whales, wild horses and other creatures that humans hold in high esteem. Few will give thanks for fungi or beetles or earthworms, yet, their presence and activity is as vital to our welfare as any other life forms that share this planet.
Indeed, all life on Earth is interdependent. Diverse human cultures, while prone to disagreement and conflict, must learn to cooperate if our species is to survive. And we humans, inclined toward self importance, could not survive without the support of our planet's "lowest" plants and animals. It is thus appropriate that we give thanks for life itself, in whatever form it may exist, and dedicate ourselves to its protection and conservation.
