"We are part of the system"

"We are part of the system... We are, in this view, neither owners nor operators; at best, we might see ourselves as motile tissue specialized for receiving information" (Thomas 916).

Many people believe as humans we control the earth. Although we have continued to develop and make advancements in our society, we do not control nature but we are a part of it. Many view humans independent from nature "despite the sharing around of genes, enzymes and organelles"(916)  as those other species living on earth.

Through our actions we not only harm other species but ourselves too. We are not protected from the effects of climate change, pollution, and many other harmful problems as we are a part of the environment. We directly affect other species and "we are as dependent as the leaves or midges or fish on the rest of life"(916). As humans are dependent on other species, we also face the same negative effects that humans cause. As climate change continues to threaten the earth, many forget that it does not only affect animals living on earth but also humans. Not only climate change, but also the ongoing problems of plastic and trash being released into the oceans negatively affects humans and while it may affect the species in the oceans more, it still affects us.

As humans we continue to attempt to control the environment but the reality is, is that the earth is not "at our disposal to be consumed, ornamented or pulled apart as we wished"(915) as many previously believed. We were evolved the same way as the other species that live on earth as not to control or rule over nature and other species but instead we asserted ourselves into that role. It is true that we are "neither owners nor operators"(916) of the earth but despite how it may seem, we are still just one more part of the environment, ecosystem, and the earth we live in.

If the effects we have on other species that have already occurred or will occur in the future are not enough for society to take action to save the environment, we need to change our actions to not only save other species, but ourselves too.


Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/science/human-evolution/images-videos/media/275670/73009
The Language of Composition: Reading Writing Rhetoric