Humans are a unique species, capable of altering their environment to suit their needs. Unlike other species, the changes we make have profound and far-reaching impacts on the world around us. These consequences include climate change, environmental pollution, and the extinction of countless other species. Alarmingly, this trajectory may even lead to our own extinction in the (hopefully distant) future. Perhaps the Drake Equation and Fermi’s Paradox suggest that self-destruction is an inevitable outcome for all "intelligent" civilizations.
Evolution, the natural process that drives the creation of life on planets—and possibly on other celestial bodies—has given rise to intelligent life forms like us. However, it’s clear that intelligence can also lead to destructive behaviors that harm the environment. The evolution of the human brain, while remarkable, might be one of nature’s greatest mistakes. Sorry, nature! After all, evolution doesn’t guarantee the creation of harmonious cycles that benefit all life forms. Humans, unfortunately, have the capacity to disrupt and even destroy these delicate natural systems.
When a species like ours uses its intelligence to prioritize the accumulation of wealth—symbolized by green notes—over the health of the planet, I call that stupidity. Will we ever realize that money won’t feed us or provide us with clean air to breathe?
When there are too many predators but only a limited amount of prey, both predator and prey populations decline until the ecosystem stabilizes with sufficient food for all. This natural balance ensures the coexistence of both groups. However, when humans interfere with this cycle—such as by killing predators—the prey population can grow unchecked. As prey consume plants, the finite availability of food becomes a critical issue, leading to destructive consequences for nature.
Every human action has repercussions, and some can be profoundly harmful. Practices like overfishing and burning rainforests come at a significant cost to ecosystems and biodiversity. Unfortunately, short-term thinking often dominates the priorities of politicians and corporations, leaving little regard for the long-term consequences of their actions. To some extent, natural cycles have the ability to regain balance despite human interference. However, the growing frequency and accelerating pace of human actions are overwhelming nature's capacity to maintain this balance.
In the blockbuster movie *Avatar*, the alien civilization known as the Na’vi beautifully illustrates how all life forms are interconnected. I wish we could experience the same sense of unity. Did you know that in forests, trees and mushrooms are connected through underground networks, exchanging information and resources for the greater good? Nature already shows us the way—if only we were wise enough to follow its example.
We pursue the most advanced technologies, such as biotechnology and artificial intelligence, yet we lack an ethical compass to guide us. One of the greatest drawbacks of urbanization is the loss of our direct connection with nature. We seem to have forgotten that we do not own nature; instead, we are its stewards, responsible for ensuring its survival.
The evolution of technology, particularly in the realm of AI, represents the next significant step following biological evolution, with its sustenance being data and knowledge. It is often said that data is the new oil. However, much like in biological life, wealth alone does not equate to happiness. True fulfillment arises when raw data is transformed into meaningful knowledge.
In this context, an overabundance of data—often referred to as "data obesity"—can be counterproductive. The ability of AI to learn and adapt is far more critical than merely amassing vast amounts of data. The ideal path forward involves learning, gathering knowledge, and drawing accurate conclusions.
AI relies on training data provided by humans or other AIs. Unfortunately, this data often carries inherent human biases and behaviors. One such behavior, prevalent among humans, is the tendency to negatively impact the environment. This creates a cyclical challenge, as AI, shaped by human input, mirrors these detrimental patterns.
As we sit in our homes and offices, staring at screens, driving our cars, or wandering through shopping malls, we find ourselves increasingly shielded from nature. Over time, we begin to forget—or even ignore—the natural lifecycles unfolding around us.
Do you know which plants and animals inhabit your surroundings? Do you understand their needs? Are you aware of the behaviors that harm them and why? Developing empathy for nature is essential to avoid causing unintended damage. As activists often remind us: there is no Earth 2.0.
Ironically, we build spacecrafts to explore and analyze other planets, yet we barely know or understand our own. What will happen if we ever succeed in colonizing Mars? Do you truly believe that colonists will treat other planets any better than we have treated Earth? Perhaps it is a blessing in disguise that we are not yet capable of reaching an "Earth B." In our daily lives, we often take many things for granted, assuming they are stable, when in reality, they are fragile.
If nature could vote in elections, it would likely favor parties and politicians who prioritize conservation, sustainability, and the well-being of future generations. It’s hard to imagine nature supporting leaders like Trump, who often place money and power above environmental stewardship and charity. After all, what good is wealth in a world where the environment is destroyed, leaving future generations to bear the cost of our excesses?
Nature’s resources are finite and irreplaceable. We cannot substitute them once they are depleted. Just as a car cannot travel 500 miles on an empty tank or battery without a nearby gas station, humanity cannot continue its journey if we exhaust the planet’s resources. When that happens, it’s game over.
However, we shouldn’t place all the blame on politicians. In most systems, politics reflects the values, opinions, and habits of the people. As the saying goes, we get the politicians we deserve. Using the metaphor of a car ride, we often behave like blind drivers navigating uncharted territories—reckless and unaware of the consequences of our actions. It’s time to open our eyes and steer toward a sustainable future.
We, the people, hold the responsibility to care for our environment. As Earth's population continues to grow, the strain on available resources accelerates, and the risk of depletion looms closer. The more we harm our environment, the more fragile our planet becomes. Sustainability is not a choice—it is an absolute necessity.
Each of us must understand natural cycles and value the richness of biodiversity. Technology and innovation are vital, but only if they contribute to the preservation and conservation of our environment. We must all strive to significantly reduce our harmful actions and avoid taking nature and its resources for granted. While the universe may seem infinite, our planet is not. We live on a small, delicate oasis with a thin atmosphere, surrounded by a vast, cold, and hostile cosmos.
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