As the natural world shrinks it becomes ever more vital to the survival of the human species.
Because humans use fossil and other non-biological fuels, overall entropy increases at a much greater rate than it would if we had continued to live without our synthetic infrastructure.
The only thing that can even temporarily recreate some degree of order is life, which creates orderly systems (albeit creatures with finite life-spans but who reproduce) whilst consuming energy. At the moment human beings are increasing entropy a great deal more than the other creatures on the planet, due to the rate at which they draw down upon and burn fossil fuels.
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The other creatures in our environment compensate for our activities to some degree. The more of them and the fewer of us, the better for the planet, hence the better for humans who inherit the mess we are making.
Apart from this, the principle of kindness and generosity to our fellow travelers on this planet is a positive one, whereas to reduce them to mere expendable conveniences for our species, depraves us.
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About the Author
Sheila Newman is an environmental sociologist and editor of articles on energy, population, land-use planning and resources. She co-edited the 2005 edition of The Final Energy Crisis, Pluto, UK, and is sole editor of the upcoming second edition, scheduled for August/September 2008. Her blog is at www.candobetter.org/sheila She also makes environmental and sociological films, including a series on wildlife corridors and kangaroo populations some of which are http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=QueenieAlexander2000
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