11.9: Summary
Humans are part of the ecosystems in which we live, and have developed immense power over harnessing the capacity of those ecosystems to support modern life. Yet, we are still at the mercy of the environment, and the impact of the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat on our health. The earth is not an indestructible home or infinite resource, and its ability to support life is highly dependent on the effect that humans have on it. Our health is intricately connected to the health of the soil, air, water, plants, microbes, insects, and animals with whom we share this planet. It behooves us then to consider the environmental impacts of every action we take - to preserve our ecosystems and support the health of all living things across the globe.