Is this planet savable by human intervention?

Question

I feel like we are blowing alot of effort trying to slow the down what we have little to do with. I've heard humans only account for less than 2% of global warming. Isn't the world always changing and evolving? Can my tax dollars be spent more wisely, like making my existence a bit more comfortable, or maybe to help adapt, or relocate?

Answer 1

The biggest problem with humans is that we use an "earth as a resource" policy - if something's available, take it without worrying about the consequences.  Iceland, as an example used to be lush with trees.  But because of logging (for various purposes) they lost 97% of their forests.  The land there is pretty much barren.  

I'd say the same thing is happening with industrial emissions - we're reaping the immediate rewards in having the latest and greatest TVs, but ultimately threatening our air quality  ...and the same thing with chemical pollutants - what about my water (see the sources for a great photo of a Chinese river)?  

You can't really say that humans aren't taking a great toll on this Earth.  Forget about global warming - I'd like to be able to breathe without worrying about smog.  

How is your life going to be more comfortable if we don't take care of air quality or clean water?  Saving our planet and living more comfortably go hand in hand.