Humanity's technological achievements have enriched our lives immeasurably, and
helped underscore what a unique species we are. Yet, these advances have distanced us
ever further from our fundamental, biological nature, obscuring our kinship with the rest of
the Earth's biodiversity. Peeling away just a few of these layers reveals a world rich in
connections that show just how deeply enmeshed in nature we are. Every cell in our
bodies and every impulse we experience are testaments to our fundamental unity with all
other life on Earth.


Human exceptionalism has narrowed our view of environmental issues like climate
change and loss of biodiversity as threats primarily to our own livelihoods, denying any
moral responsibility toward our evolutionary brethren. Yet, the recognition of our inherent
biology should prompt deep reflection on the ethical status of other species. As our sense
of kinship grows, our sense of obligation should expand accordingly.


Under One Canopy challenges readers to confront their biological selves. I argue
that acknowledging our kinship with non-human lives demands a radical reimagining of our
responsibilities as a society. Humanity must figure out how to prioritize the sustainability of
the Earth's living systems, for our own descendants and for those of all other members of
our extended evolutionary family.