from a geologic standpoint, imagine standing around trying to be optimistic about the dinosaurs after the meteor hit.
i agree and its obvious that man has helped push a variety of species to the brink, and some over it, never to come back. however, some species are on their way out no matter what man does or does not do. w/ climate change there will be new niche species to evolve and take their place. what we might consider as humdrum species today may eventually become niche species ultimately evolving to very specialized and unique species the type of which we are now watching in their demise. man can play a role to help keep these current niche species going, but some wont make it over the long term.
human intelligence and awareness coupled with increasing human population pressure (biomass) has set the stage for a new era of complex management issues. do we save the bugs in the swamp, or keep drinking water supplied to millions? we have complex responsibilities as stewards of the planet, we are witnesses to the current evolutionary and meteorlogical cycles, and we have to learn our way through this, or choose to ignore it as most do.
cecil, you dern near stole my thunder
