Humanity as a natural force

It is interesting to to consider problems like global warming in the context of uncontrollable natural forces. In nature there are negative and positive feedback loops. Negative feedback loops promote stability and positive feedback loops promote change. Like a wild fire, an endothermic reaction, once begun will continue burning until all the available fuel is consumed.

It is sobering to perhaps consider humanity's dependence upon fossil fuels in the same light. We are a wild fire, burning everything within reach, and once begun there's nothing that can stop our madness until all the fuel available is depleted.

Part of my interest in seeing humanity as a natural force is that its easier to step back and respond at a different level. I mean for good or bad, the debate is irrelevant whether "hydrocarbon man" is a good lifestyle. It is, and its the only lifestyle that can support 6.6 billion people. So rather than asking about the "morality" of our power crazied lifestyles, it is reduced to the more practical question of seeing what can be saved, and preparing for existence in the ashes that will follow.

No, not a very happy thought, but perhaps the reality of how life works, and wildfires DO clear out the brush and open the sunlight for new growth. It's just hard to admit we're part of such a cycle, that civilization is not above the mindless opportunism of nature.