The Tenth Guideline

Be not a cancer on the earth — Leave room for nature — Leave room for nature.

Why it may be perceived negatively

The idea that humanity could be seen as “a cancer on the earth” is understandably offensive to some. However it should be noted that this guideline is not saying that we are a cancer on the earth, but simply that we should avoid becoming so. Most people would agree that it is in our best interests not to destroy the planet, but it is an inescapable fact that the human population is having a detrimental effect on the environment, and this is something we need to address before it is too late.

Some religions hold the view that the earth and everything in it were created for the benefit of mankind. In the past, the Bible verse: “Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.””(Genesis 1:26) has been used to justify this view and the idea that other species are at our disposal because “God” has given us “dominion” over them. More recently, I’m glad to say, people have interpreted this as meaning humans have a “stewardship” over other species, and therefore a duty to look after them, but this view is rarely implemented.

Why the issue should not be ignored

The Earth is a beautiful, amazing place and this can largely be attributed to the vast and diverse array of species it is home to, both animal and plant. As the human population grows however, more and more species are being driven to extinction by human activities such as poaching, over-fishing, over-hunting, and most particularly by the pollution and destruction of natural habitats. Deforestation is a commonly cited example of human activity negatively influencing the environment. In addition to the destruction of habitats, deforestation contributes to global warming by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide re-uptake by trees and so increasing atmospheric levels of this greenhouse gas. The combination of this and excessive burning of fossil fuels means that the “greenhouse effect” is causing a rise in the earth’s temperature with potentially catastrophic effects on the climate worldwide.  

What could be achieved?

If humanity works together to develop “clean” energy sources, conserve natural habitats and generally reduce our negative impact on the natural world, then future generations will continue to be able to enjoy (and survive on) this wonderful planet.