(Pre)Humans have been trashing the place ever since they learned to make fire. At least. Humans have also been consistent about non-concern for “endangered species” and fragile ecologies.
The main differences from then until now: There were far fewer trash-makers then; our trash is a lot harder for nature to break down than it used to be; we can import and export critters and plants from/to any place on the planet… and we do.
(Pre)Humans have been trashing the place ever since they learned to make fire. At least. Humans have also been consistent about non-concern for “endangered species” and fragile ecologies.
The main differences from then until now: There were far fewer trash-makers then; our trash is a lot harder for nature to break down than it used to be; we can import and export critters and plants from/to any place on the planet… and we do.