cohenite,

"...sit in a puddle and chant to nature."

You can if you want.
All I'm suggesting is that we moderate our extremes, live a reasonable existence and respect our environment.

Btw, regarding other planets. Why the bloody hell would anyone wish to set up a colony on a desolate planet like Mars - apart from for the purposes of scientific research? We have a life-sustaining and bountiful planet already - a planet from which we sprang and to which we are perfectly biologically attuned.

Atman,

You're right, you didn't say we were separate (apologies for that) - you said we were dependent but at the same time above.

I don't believe we are equal with worms or toads in our experience, however, we are equally dependent on the health of our environment as are all species.

How many in this world are dying (literally) for the merest chance to live with some dignity, security and certainty for their families and their culture; and how many others are propelled to exploit such simple aspirations by offering, nay insisting, that they pursue a different way, a glorious way, the capitalist way. Forget the fields and the goats and kill just one elephant, or rhino, gorilla, or tiger, or collect heaps of shark fins, and some wonderful person will give you money, money, money! The marvelously benevolent, kind and 'civilised' (who treasure the ever so wonderful efficacy of such trinkets to amuse, entertain or glorify their own existence) will give you money - out of the goodness of their hearts. Oil Palm, not sago; a forest is timber (money) not a larder of life; more is good, and money is best; wealth and commodities the new paradigm, the zenith, the ultimate purpose of existence and the sole determinant of success. Such is the new religion; bring on the super-trawlers.

Electricity, the life blood of the world; oil the gift of the gods; Internet the gateway to the stars; blood diamonds, blood drugs, blood food, clothing and minerals; welcome to the new reality.

The new 'civilisation' - a gift, or a curse?

AGW may be a myth, a symptom, or a salutary caution against unbridled arrogance. Even a pig knows not to crap where it eats.