> There are plenty of folks who would rather see the natural world preserved for its own sake, even at the expense of human growth and survival.

Because of what...geology? The Earth itself? (No.)

You might have missed the “and/or animals” part. My comment already addresses those who are more concerned (as in preoccupied) with non-human life.

But I guess I should have mentioned plants as well. Mea fucking culpa.