We humans have been using animals and plants as a natural resource since we first evolved. No bad thing: We need them for food, shelter, clothing, and medicine amongst other things.
As long as we use them sustainably, then I see no problem there (Apologies to any vegetarians, who probably have a very different view!).
So what about the ones we're not using? Should we care about them?
I'd say, yes. For a start, we need as much vegetation as possible, especially forests, in order to absorb all the carbon emissions we produce. These trees and plants don't exist in isolation either. They are part of complex ecosystems. Remove any part of an ecosystem and it may collapse. Afterall, plants often depend on animals for fertilisation and the distribution of seed.
Another point: We're so good at exploiting this natural resource, we're discovering new uses all the time. So it doesn't make sense to let it be whittled away. Who's to say there's not a cure for cancer out there? Every extinction that takes place out there could mean the loss of just such a 'miracle' cure.
I could go on but you can see what I'm saying here: We need to preserve biodiversity (i.e. the range of animals and plants) for very practical reasons.
Unfortunately, we've not had too good a record on this lately. We are now losing species at an alarming rate. However, it seems that things are looking up, with the announcement that a new UN scientific panel for biodiversity is to be set up to give 'best advice' on the issue to governments. You can read more about it here.
Hopefully, it'll help us to stabilise things before they get out of hand. Ultimately, it's in all our interests.
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