Try to be as specific as possible in relation to the cause and effect
2006-06-30 15:27:20 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Environment
Because we have the ability to change our environment, but not the sense to question whether we should.
2006-06-30 15:30:54 · answer #1 · answered by vita64 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Unfortunately it is precisely because of the same thing that SHOULD make us the caretakers of the earth--our consciousness, our minds, our ability to think. Other creatures do not think about their own lives; they just "do what comes naturally". Usually the result of that is that the environment is not harmed.
Humans, on the other hand, can think--think about how much money they can make by skipping this or that "little" thing that would make their manufacturing process safer, cleaner--think about how much money they can make if they spray their crops with insecticides that poison much more than the "bugs" (For that matter, why are we killing bugs? Everything has a purpose!!!!)--think about how much easier it is to cut down new trees than to recycle--think about how the planet won't run out of breathe-able air in our life time (and our grand kids can fend for themselves???)etc. etc. Anyway, I think you get my point. Humans are greedy, AND they can rationalize!
If there really was an "original sin" I think that it was to use our conscious minds (therefore trying to be as "smart" as God?) That's why Adam and Eve covered themselves and felt ashamed--have you ever seen an animal try to dress itself?
That last paragraph was for the religious zealots who write in to Answers all the time. Maybe that can stop proselytizing and praying long enough to do something to help the environment.
2006-06-30 23:46:50 · answer #2 · answered by Joey's Back 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ARE we the only animal that is destroying the medium in which all other animals exist...?
What medium is this...? You don't specify.
Are we only animals...? That seems like a large, unproven assumption, and insulting to boot.
How is the destruction to which you refer taking place...? This also sounds like a large and unproven assumption.
Try to be as specific as possible in your question, and we may be able to give you better answers! If you are satisfied with the quality of the other answers, I can only surmise that you are not looking for scientific answers, but for political answers-- i.e., that you just want people to agree with the unspoken premises behind your questions.
2006-06-30 22:45:03 · answer #3 · answered by cdf-rom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because we are probably the only animals with the sixth sense : GREED. Man behaves as if all the Earth's resources are finite.. Look at the way trees are cut down, and if you go to an office.. See the amount of paper wasted.. Pollution? People don't give a damn about the earth. Who cares if the exhaust from cars can be harmful? They only care about having a car. And so on, and so forth.
Humans = Selfish = Greedy. Thats why.
2006-06-30 22:46:01 · answer #4 · answered by mags87 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We aren't. Infestations usually change a landscape. If a disease infects one species in the chain, that chain may be permanently disrupted to the point of breaking.
As an example, if one insect survives only on Beech trees and all the Beech trees die due to Beech Tree Disease, then that insect will probably die out, thus changing the medium for all other animals that exist where Beech trees exist.
2006-06-30 22:32:42 · answer #5 · answered by Larry Joe 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two reasons:
1. Humans believe that they have been chosen, given the right to rule the planet and use it for their own good. Religion has much to do with encouraging this myth.
2. Humans are the only ones who have developed the ability to do it..
2006-07-02 02:16:35 · answer #6 · answered by dan m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We are the only animal that doesn't live by survival. We over use everything that we have including the land, animals, air, and water.
2006-06-30 22:31:40 · answer #7 · answered by Kota 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The human race has proved to be very reckless.Because we have a brain and we are dangerous.Be cause corporations are like sharks attacking the bottom line.
2006-06-30 22:36:47 · answer #8 · answered by christine2550@sbcglobal.net 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your question is; "why is man able to alter his environment"... Because GOD said so.
As far as "destroying" it... Only GOD can do that. If you think you can "destroy" the planet, then you must think you are GOD. Man only has the ability to destroy himself. The end of self destruction starts with you, not you telling me what I should do or not do. Again, only GOD can do that... Do you think you are GOD?
2006-06-30 23:32:43 · answer #9 · answered by Getch 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because we are the only animal that makes our surroundings adapt to us, other animals adapt to their surroundings, makes you wonder who is more intelligent.
2006-06-30 22:36:12 · answer #10 · answered by classicwoodworks2000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋