As you say, we really have thoughtlessly destroyed a lot that nature provided.
I think, though, that it is my generation who will have shortened life spans. I'm in my 60's and remember clearly as a child my dad spraying weed killer and insecticide around willy nilly. He was a doctor, too, and never worried about breathing in the stuff or getting it on himself or us, never mind the plants, lawn, in the water and everywhere else.
Fifty years later, let's hope most people know you can't nuke your home and yard with chemicals to keep it tidy and 'free of bugs'. At least here in the US and Canada the habitats are returning, and water is cleaner.
There are still a few die-hards, mostly in their 70's or 80's who need to be reminded that there is a cause and effect for everything you use. My kids are in their 30's and are intensely aware of environmental issues. I need to hope that they and their kids will live longer, healthier lives than we are because we're cleaning up the mess our parents made.
