Forests in the tropics are cut to make pasture to raise beef for the American market. Our distance from the source of our food enables us to be superficially more comfortable, and distinctly more ignorant.
Gary SnyderRead
Human beings have fabricated the illusion that in the 21st century they have the technological prowess to be independent of nature. Bees underline the reality that we are more, not less, dependent on nature’s services in a world of close to seven billion people.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes humanity's misconception of independence from nature, highlighting our reliance on natural services.
Achim Steiner's quote argues that despite technological advancements, humans are still fundamentally dependent on nature. The mention of bees points out the vital role that natural ecosystems play in sustaining human life, reminding us that our progress should be aligned with the respect and stewardship of the environment rather than a separation from it.
Themes
NatureDependencyTechnologyEnvironmentEcosystems
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about environmental conservation to highlight the importance of ecosystems.
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