From the ‘Gaia hypothesis’ point of view, we humans are part of Nature’s whole. Being at the top of the food chain, however, we’ve been the sole beneficiary of our time on earth. However, by returning much of the carbon sequestered under ground (oil) to the atmosphere, we are participating in the ‘long term carbon cycle’. In the greater scheme of things, this may be our one and only contribution to the planet as a whole. Sure, global warming will be a short term (a few millennia?) pain, but in the long run (the coming 100 million years?) all life on earth will benefit. So, we should give ourselves a little pat on the back perhaps. Our role in returning carbon to the atmosphere will benefit all life on earth in the long run, for without that, the day might come when there would be insufficient carbon for plant survival.
I admit, to fully appreciate this view we must have as little thought of self and as few desires as possible.
