the why question...

To state, quite simply why it matters: it matters because the more humans are able to see themselves as part of an integrated system of life, the less we will consider power and control to be the dominant modes of living and the less we will use and abuse our environment in the pursuit of furthering our own existence. The realisation of this symbiotic relationship (between us and our environment) is the thing that can prolong life since the relationship will then no longer be based on destruction.