Warren Kennedy, Mullumbimby
Regarding John Lazarus’s letter (May 1) on an endangered species at risk from the Byron Bypass, I question his assertion that the Shire has responsibility for the species’ capacity to survive.
I have no opinion either way concerning the bypass itself, except that one is needed, but I challenge the belief that humanity is responsible for preserving species.
Extinction is part of the natural order. Since life began on this planet more species have become extinct than exist today. And just as well. The planet would be seriously overcrowded and it wouldn’t be easy to co-exist with dinosaurs.
While some species might be worth preserving as a general principle we should not consider it our role or duty to guard species from extinction.
This does not absolve us from acting responsibly and it’s in all our interests to care for the environment.
But we don’t need to feel responsible for every species. All extant species, including homosapiens, will be extinct one day.
