Human Reef

For my fifth day in a week of nature photography, I chose a picture of the downtown Portland waterfront. You might think this isn’t nature. If so, I have a few points:

1. Humans are not outside of nature. We are as much a part of nature as any other species. Would you consider an anthill or a tropical reef to be nature? Portland is a human reef.
2. Our activities impact the habitat of others, but we are not the only species that does this. And we can be smart enough1 to minimize our impact.¹I have hope.
3. Living in more dense groups decreases the total landmass needed for human dwellings, industry, and infrastructure. This helps preserve more of what many would call nature.
4. Yes, I’m being contrarian. I thought you’d have noticed this by now. ;-)

• 1
  I have hope.