@veta take solace in this: "even if the destruction were to end now, it would take 5-7 million years for the natural world to recover." million years aren't actually that much and maybe the bugs will do better. there still are some billion years left for earth 'til the sun is done.

regarding the growth momentum: that's why i'm critical of humanitary aid programs. they don't fix issues but delay and amplify the effects. nonetheless, the west should also consume less resources.