Ask the Expert: “The Environment Doesn’t Need Humans” An Important Mindset to Understand

During this valuable opportunity at P2A 2026, we had the chance to conduct an exclusive interview with Billy, a former biologist and scientist at Trang Marine National Park in Thailand. He reminded us of the environmental crisis we are currently facing and highlighted the role of the younger generation, who will shape the future of civilization.

Billy revealed a fundamental misconception: that the Earth does not exist to serve humans. Quite the opposite, in fact.

“The environment doesn’t really need humans, but we need the environment to benefit us. So you need to understand what you’re using and how you’re living,” he said.

From a scientific perspective, the environment does not need humans. The Earth will continue to exist, evolve, and adapt with or without humans. Meanwhile, humans need the environment to survive.

Therefore, humans need to understand the most basic mindset regarding what we use and how we live. The energy generated by the environment through various technologies is a chain of invisible consequences. Have we ever thought about how much emissions we produce?

Billy noted that such awareness is still far off; currently, humans live in an era where society uses everything as single-use items.

“We’ve been in a throwaway society. Everything comes easily with money and then disappears just as easily—but where does it all end up? In the soil, in the water,” he added.

For example, with single-use plastics, everything is produced, consumed, and then forgotten in a very short time. But the critical question is: where does it all go? The answer lies in the soil. In the water. The plastic waste we discard doesn’t just disappear; it breaks down into microplastics—tiny particles invisible to the naked eye but scattered everywhere.

“And then it becomes microplastics or waste. Over time, it will come back to you or the next generation in the form of disease. So not many people actually realize that we’ve had—or now know we have—microplastics in our bodies from water or from soil that we’ve contaminated,” he said.

Sadly, people aren’t aware of this—microplastics are already present in our bodies. They enter through drinking water, food, and soil contaminated by humans themselves. Billy emphasized that this isn’t just a prediction, but a reality we’re currently facing.

So, can the younger generation find a solution or improve this situation? Billy acknowledged that the challenges facing the younger generation are greater than those faced by previous generations.

“The younger generation faces greater health challenges than previous generations. Take what they call the climate shift we’re experiencing now—global warming, unusual rainfall, off-season weather, and so on. There’s a lot happening. So instead of just going out dancing or doing things you shouldn’t, you should be mindful of your surroundings and your interaction with the environment,” he stressed.

So, what can the younger generation do in this digital age?

“In the digital age, what can the younger generation do? First of all, don’t be ignorant. You need to learn, know, and understand—and then realize that everything has consequences. Every action we take will affect us in some way. That’s my perspective. And how can they help? It’s entirely up to each and every one of you—what you choose will ultimately come back to you. Good way, bad way, or somewhere in between—you know, it could benefit us or harm us. It’s right in the middle, isn’t it?”

Ultimately, the scientist’s message is not one of despair. He isn’t saying it’s already too late. He’s simply reminding us—especially the younger generation—that we’re at a crossroads. Every choice we make, every habit we maintain, every awareness we cultivate, will determine what kind of future we leave behind. The environment doesn’t need us, but we need the environment. And as the scientist concluded with a reflective question: “It’s quite in the middle, isn’t it?”—everything is still in the middle, uncertain, and that is precisely why our choices today are so meaningful.