WHY I THINK HOMO SAPIENS ARE AN INVASIVE SPECIES?

It is not easy to come to the conclusion that if your species were to disappear from the face of the earth the earth would be better off. It is hard to accept that we not only do not contribute anything essential to nature but that we are, in fact, the worst invasive species on the planet. That's really, really hard but I've finally accepted the reality and I sincerely believe that by accepting this reality and attempting to do our best to change our behavior is our only hope of surviving as a species. 

It is even more difficult to write an essay explaining why we are an invasive species. Humans have a psychological predisposition that, as soon as they read or hear something they find offensive, their brains stop processing the new information and concentrate on organizing their defense. All I ask of my reader is that they fight this urge and actually think about what I say. 

Why do I think the homo sapiens are an invasive species? Actually I don't think this is a difficult question. For me it is very obvious. Then again, I'm not hampered by the anthropocentrism of religion. But I don't want to get off on that argument here. Please set religion aside.

We demand oil for our pleasure and comfort

Let's start by the fact that the homo sapiens meet every definition of "invasive species" of which I am aware. Most definitions are almost word-for-word identical. Here is one definition "Invasive species are defined as organisms (plant, animal, fungus, or bacterium) that are not native and has negative effects on a region." (1) Other definitions include harm to human environment, economy or well-being. I think that's more than a bit egocentric of us, but I believe that we still fit the definition. In destroying everything around us we destroy ourselves because of our arrogance. Again, however, this argument would be digressive at this point. 

We produce mountains of waste and pollutants. 

As an organism we are not indigenous to any area except northeastern Africa. I think that professor Dr. Yusal Noah Harari noted in his 7/24/2015 Ted Talk that if homo sapiens had stayed in northeastern Africa, where they originated, and minded their own business we'd probably be extinct by now.

I am sure that someone will argue that after 60-125,000 years we have become indigenous.  It is true that the first genus homo left Africa two million years ago.  Homo sapiens entered what is today Europe 60-125,000 years ago. My question is - can one become indigenous?  No matter how long my family resides in the USA we will still be an immigrant family. We can never be indigenous. No matter how many generations pass my family will still be carrying Irish DNA which is not indigenous to North America. 

The results of tar-sand oil extraction

But, for the sake of argument, let's assume that a species can become indigenous. For that to happen the species would have to no longer damage and/or be a danger to the ecosystem. An indigenous species is not only not a danger to the ecosystem but is a productive and vital part of the system such that the ecosystem actually suffers if the species is missing.  A good example is the wolf in Yellowstone.  When homo sapiens totally eradicated the wolf from Yellowstone there was a marked deterioration of the ecosystem. Herds of ungulates expanded because of the lack of the predator. As a result trees suffered which caused problems with ground water, streams, etc. In short, there was a disastrous domino effect. When the wolf was returned to the ecosystem healing was observed almost immediately. 

We destroy air quality. 

I know that humans have the delusional belief that we can do just as well as nature, but we know that isn't true. Can anyone name an ecosystem that would deteriorate if homo sapiens were to disappear? Can anyone name an ecosystem into which the homo sapiens has moved that does not immediately demonstrate stress, damage and deterioration?  No matter in what ecosystem homo sapiens are found there is no ecosystem in which we are a productive and vital part of the system. We are always a destructive force. 

Homo sapiens took the great plains from this . . . . 

The closest we ever came to being a non-destructive addition to an ecosystem was when we were hunter-gatherers.  Now we build roads and large buildings. To do that we change the land, the topography, and the soil chemistry. We destroy indigenous plants and animals and bring in invasive species, who, like ourselves, drive out the indigenous. A good example is the great plains. We invaded a fertile ecosystem, destroyed the wildlife that helped make and keep it fertile and planted non-indigenous species that robbed the soil and was not capable of withstanding the natural weather. Result - the great dust bowl. 

to this!!

I would dare to say that any one who is reading this can look out the nearest window and see an example of our destructive nature. This type of destruction can never contribute to a healthy ecosystem.

No matter in what ecosystem homo sapiens are found there is no ecosystem in which they are a productive and vital part of the system. They are always a destructive force. Therefore we can only conclude that homo sapiens are and always will be an invasive species.

Can we change?  Can we become a productive part of a healthy ecosystem?  

Would you live here? 

This is probably the most upsetting part of accepting that we are a destructive, invasive species. I fear that homo sapiens are not ready or willing to do what it would take to become good environmental citizens of planet earth.  It would require giving up so much of what modern society feels is essential. There is a post that has been making its way around Facebook. It shows a very simple cabin in the woods and asks if, for a prize of $10,000, would you be willing to live in the cabin for 30 days without television, internet, smart phone, electricity, etc. There are still a few of us who would pay for such a place but the point is that such simple living is considered a hardship to the "developed" world. 

Living the full-timer's dream.  

As full-timers our great love is living simply in the wilderness or remote areas. Our home, Willy, is 128 square feet and has everything we want and need. Albeit small it still has an environmental footprint. While Pamela was recovering from surgery we saw television. There was a program about the new "tiny home" craze. All of the "tiny" houses were at least twice the size of Willy filled with modern conveniences. At least that's moving in the right direction.  I believe you would find that most people think we're strange and would not consider living the simple life we love so dearly. 

A "tiny house" about 450-500 square feet. A good start.

As long as homo sapiens believe that they need all the trappings of modern life we will be a destructive invasive species. Our only hope and option is to attempt be the least destructive invasive species possible. We must stop thinking that we are so superior that we are able to improve upon nature.  We must seek to find ways to be a part of nature and minimize our footprint.  We must continue to make a concerted effort to reduce our population. We must put greater effort into renewable sources of energy and means of storing that energy that are eco-friendly. We must contain our expansion, protect what wild and wilderness areas we have left and return as much land as possible.  We must be willing to spend some of our money to help poorer countries to improve their lives without destroying their environment. And the list goes on and on and on and on. 

We can't be intimidated by the length and complexity of this list. We can't do nothing because we think we can't do enough or can't do it all.  A positive attitude is that such a lengthy list means that there is something for everyone. There are many items and activities on the list which each of us can do to make a difference.

We may not be able to change the reality that we will always be an invasive species wherever we go, but we can do something about the extent to which our presence adversely effects the world around us.

FOOT NOTES:

(1) www.env.gov.yk.ca