But because of this concern, humanists should also care about the natural world, which we all depend on and which will have to sustain our descendants. We should care about the future of our planet because we care about other human beings, even those not born yet. Because humanists have no belief in a god or supernatural force that will solve our problems for us, they know that human beings must take sole responsibility for sorting out environmental problems. We are the only ones capable of finding the solutions that can lead to a sustainable existence. This is not a belief shared by humanists, who believe that human beings evolved and go on evolving, along with the rest of nature.
Humanists find good reasons elsewhere for caring about and protecting our environment.
A humanist's moral reasoning would be broadly utilitarian, which means that it is based on a concern for the consequences for human welfare and happiness. Our welfare is highly dependent on the environment and the continued existence of many other species. Humanists also appreciate the happiness and inspiration contact with nature and animals can bring. Humanists are unlikely to subscribe to deep green beliefs about the intrinsic value, or even superiority, of non-human nature, or to be sentimental about sweet or fluffy animals. Humanists have a scientific view of the world, and would not automatically blame science and technology for environmental problems.