Hubris

It's hubris (and conditioning) that leads us to believe that we are the chosen ones, that any negative impact on life and our world is justifiable so long as we can point to a benefit to humanity. It's hubris (and conditioning) that leads us to believe that this way we do things is the best way to do them. 

It's also hubris (and conditioning) that justifies our belief that we can save the world, this pale blue dot. As if we are in charge, guardians of "a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena" (Carl Sagan). As George Carlin points out: "it's arrogant meddling, it's what got us into this trouble in the first place."

Geologically, Earth will be fine. Geologically, the Earth will continue spinning for the next 4-5 billion years or so, when the Sun's expansion puts to an end her time as a planet.

But rocks aren't what many of us are interested in protecting. We're interested in protecting life, and as far as we know, it's the only life the universe has.

Hubris: me and my bottom line are worth the collateral damage of clean air, clean water, and a thriving biosphere.