2 6 Unexpected Consequences
So long as there are luscious gardens, picturesque farms, manicured
green lawns, photo-perfect orchards, and plenty of food, we can console
ourselves that all is well. Alas, we are the one species on this Earth with
the cognitive capacity to reject the environment—or the one species on
this Earth that can pause and reflect on what really matters.
On special days, when we tune out distractions and tune in the splendors
of nature, we can see glimpses of the world around us as a living organism.
We have the ability to value the delicate balancing role the environment
provides. How in the atmosphere, carbon dioxide is exchanged with
oxygen. How a layer of ozone protects us from ultraviolet radiation
from the Sun that would otherwise sterilize the Earth’s surface. How
clouds form and rains fall to regulate temperature, not just everywhere
else but where we individually live. How varied habitats protect us
against storms, control floods, and provide recovery from drought.
How watersheds create snowpack, natural lakes, and aquifers. How
flowing rivers provide water for growing food as well as transportation
for commerce and pleasure.
If we are tuned in to what surrounds us, blowing winds are reminders
that rock is being weathered, organic matter is accumulating, and soil
is being formed and renewed. Above and beneath the surfaces we live
on, microscopic organisms are supporting ongoing cycles of life, bring-
ing nutrients and other elements. Naturally occurring geological and
biological processes are treating waste, detoxifying compounds, recov-
ering nutrients, and abating pollution. Predators are keeping prey in
check. Different landscapes and climates are providing meat and wild
game, habitat for migration and protection for resident populations. At
least 2 , species are serving as pollinators, leading to edible plants,
nuts, and fruit.
Forests are providing wood and timber, binding soils and moisture,
preventing erosion, creating microclimates, and maintaining habitat
for wildlife. Oceans are absorbing carbon dioxide, creating habitat for
marine life, moisture for precipitation, and energy for transportation.
Through Earth’s immeasurable diversity of living species, comes the
genetic resources and biological matter we use every day in medicine,
science, and food.