We humans are annoyed by houseflies. They become trapped in our home and buzz about our face. When not bothering us they feast on garbage and lay their eggs in feces or carrion. Unlike flies that pollinate flowers, they seem to play no significant role in nature's complex web of life. What good are they?
By contrast, we humans represent the pinnacle of evolution, the most intelligent and creative species to walk this planet. We have constructed magnificent cities, visited the moon, explored Earth's many landscapes and sent probes throughout the solar system. We have come to understand biochemical processes, natural ecosystems and nuclear reactions.
But what have we contributed to nature herself. We have destroyed her forests, dredged and dammed her rivers, plowed her prairies, gouged her mountains, tainted her air, threatened her wildlife, drained her wetlands, altered her climate and polluted her oceans. When it comes to the welfare of Mother Nature, we, like houseflies, have little to offer and, compared to houseflies, we are far more destructive. And though we have learned how to minimize our impact, too few care to make the effort.
