Collateral Damage

Rationality is what demarcates us-'Homosapiens- from the other species. Every other species‘ driving force is its primal instincts. So, how come we have such destructive nature that goes both ways for us as beings and our surroundings? We, being so reasonable, think that is our Godly right to control and think less of them and do whatever we want with the Earth’s natural resources. By doing that we endanger many species and many go extinct every year, without mentioning how cruel we can be to them.

Firstly, we destroy their natural habitats by pollution and deforestation. Big part of the plastic waste goes into the oceans. In fact, there is a whole continent made of garbage as big as a third of the USA’s territory. The ocean life is greatly harmed since many of the animals come across the waste and the result is sometimes deadly for them. Furthermore, the greenhouse effect, the process known as global warming, causes ice melting on the poles which leaves the animals with no food or homes. Deforestation also destroys the habitats of numerous animal species/ classes. We need timber for various aspects of manufacture but only logging is not benefiting anyone if we do not find a way how to preserve those habitats like planting three trees for each cut down.

Secondly, it has become a common practice to exploit animals for entertainment, testing products and killing them to make souvenirs from their tusks. Taking them from their natural habitats and putting them in cages just for our enjoyment is inhumane. Using them for testing products to make sure they are safe to use is barbaric. Hunting them down and putting their heads on the walls, cutting their tusks and teeth for ivory and putting them in plastic key chains is brutal. We are rational, right? Then why do we treat them so cruelly and express our great animosity so openly?

Humanity’s continued exploitation of animals and the depletion of their habitats have left many species either clinging to existence or extinct. We need to take action now. Being more careful and caring for the flora and fauna of this planet is crucial for our survival. We should stop pretending it is fine if there is some collateral damage because animals are victims to our actions and they have done nothing to deserve such attitude. We need a serious examination of ourselves and our moral views. We should realize that we are not only the cause but also the solution. 

Автор: Теодора Георгиева, 11 а клас