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Originally Posted by FishStalker  I'd suggest that humans are ill equipped to make sound decisions when it comes to managing ecosystem as the last century has more than demonstrated.
Funny, animals and mother nature seem to have done quite well on their own for more than 4 BILLION years here on earth but apparently now all is lost unless people step in and 'manage' things? 
It really sounds stupid when you say it out loud.... |
While I don't entirely disagree with the concept, using Yellowstone as a case study is one data point. The entire theory he is pushing is that things are complex. That means that several data points are needed before a sane conclusion can be reached. I'm sure there are plenty of other "failures" out there when it comes to man managing resources. I happen to think there are some success stories as well.
I don't disagree with you that the human race is notorious for fucking things up. What we disagree on is the fact that past transgressions should somehow imply a hands-off approach going forward. We should try to learn from past mistakes and make educated decisions based on science and research versus emotion and 20/20 vision acquired while staring at past train wrecks.
As Smudge said, the human race is just continuing to grow. Land that was once habitiat is being developed, pollution, etc.. It goes on and on. A healthy dose of balance is required IMO. That means we as humans need to be cognizant of our actions and at the same time, we need to do our best to balance the needs of other species in light of our actions.
I agree with you that humans can fuck things up. Reality is, we aren't going away. That said, allowing the human race to encroach on every other species while doing nothing as far as management of those species (or attempts at management) to ensure their long term survivial seems to me to be even more selfish than the rampant encroachment itself.
As with most things in life, the truth is always someplace in the middle. I heard a good one the other day, "even the thinnest pancake has two sides".