Will humans eventually kill off even the hardiest of insects? A reader, Narethosyne, poses the question: It’s often said that insects will outlast humanity, as they’ve managed to survive in some very inhospitable environments for millions of years. Do you think that human stupidity might actually be able to kill even the hardiest of insects off if we don’t take better care of our planet?
Expert Response Highlights Resilience of Invertebrates
Patrick responds: "I agree we need to take much better care of the planet. However the more I learn of other invertebrate life (and I don’t know much), the more I believe that other species will survive whatever toxic horrors we unleash upon the planet."
He suggests that it seems more likely that humans will become extinct before many other species, noting our strange nature—capable of goodness yet easily moved to argument and greed.
Hope for Eco-Consciousness Awakening
Patrick believes humans can learn to think and act for the long-term, pointing to a big awakening of eco-consciousness in the global north. He suggests we may belatedly re-learn the wisdom of many indigenous peoples who have lived in better balance with their fellow species.
