In the age of rapid technological advancement and human ingenuity, we often hear terms like "unnatural" or "artificial" used to describe things that don't occur in nature. From synthetic materials to genetically modified organisms, the phrase is invoked to distinguish what is perceived as the product of human intervention, rather than something found in the wild. But if we step back for a moment and think about it, there’s a paradox in this concept that calls for a deeper reflection: How can we call something "unnatural" when humans—who are undeniably part of nature—are the ones creating it?

At first glance, it might seem obvious: we live in a world where the organic and the manufactured are distinct. Our cities, technology, and industries all stand in contrast to the forests, oceans, and mountains that have existed long before humans appeared. The "unnatural" label, then, is applied to these human-made elements. But this view requires an assumption that humans are somehow separate from nature, or that nature is limited to what is untouched by human influence.

Humans as Part of Nature

Let’s start with the assumption that humans are indeed a natural species. After all, we evolved from primates, like all other living organisms, through the same processes of natural selection and adaptation. Our bodies, our behaviours, and our very existence are the result of millions of years of evolution. We are inherently connected to the Earth in a way that links us to every other form of life.

Given this, how do we reconcile our actions as "unnatural" when we, ourselves, are creatures of nature? If we, as part of nature, build cities, create machines, or modify crops, are we not simply continuing the same process of adaptation and transformation that every species undergoes throughout history? Just as beavers build dams and birds weave nests, humans have developed technologies and structures to meet our needs.

The Evolution of "Unnatural"

One could argue that the term "unnatural" has evolved in its meaning. In pre-industrial times, when humans lived in much closer harmony with nature, building homes or harvesting food may have been seen as an extension of the natural world. The invention of tools, fire, and agriculture were merely extensions of the human relationship with nature, rather than separate from it.

However, as industrialisation and technology advanced, the scale and impact of human creation grew. Factories, power plants, and sprawling cities began to emerge, and with them came environmental challenges such as pollution, climate change, and resource depletion. These consequences prompted the need for a distinction: we now call things that harm the environment "unnatural," as if they exist outside the framework of nature. But could it be that the term "unnatural" simply reflects our discomfort with how human actions now influence the world on a much larger scale?

Humans as Intelligently Superior: The Frontal Lobe and Our Responsibility

Humans possess an intellectual edge that distinguishes us from other species: our larger and more developed frontal lobe, the part of the brain responsible for advanced cognitive functions such as reasoning, problem-solving, and planning. This intelligence has allowed us to not only adapt to our environment but also reshape it. From the discovery of fire to space exploration, humans have demonstrated the ability to think beyond immediate needs and to transform the world in ways no other species has.

However, with this intelligence comes a unique responsibility. Our ability to create tools, manipulate resources, and alter ecosystems puts us in a position of power, but also of vulnerability. As stewards of the Earth, we are responsible for the impact of our actions. The question of whether something is "unnatural" becomes less relevant when we shift our focus to the ethical implications of our creations. With our advanced cognitive abilities, we are tasked with using our intelligence not just to dominate the planet, but to care for it.

We have the capacity to understand the fragility of our climate, the interconnectedness of ecosystems, and the consequences of overexploitation. In this sense, the label of "unnatural" should not be used to describe what humans create, but rather to critique how we create it. Our creations should aim to improve the health of the planet, preserve its resources, and ensure the well-being of future generations. When we fail to do so, we are misusing the very intelligence that has set us apart.

A Shift in Perspective

What if we took a step back and reframed the way we think about what’s natural and unnatural? Perhaps the real distinction isn't between human-made and natural-made, but between actions that align with the long-term health of our ecosystems and those that do not. In this sense, even human-made structures like cities could be seen as "natural" if they are designed to coexist with the environment, reducing waste, preserving biodiversity, and supporting a sustainable balance between technology and the Earth.

Our technologies, from the wheel to the smartphone, are all products of the natural world. They are inventions by natural beings using natural resources, created to solve problems that arise from being part of nature. In this light, "unnatural" seems to be an arbitrary label, imposed upon us by our fear of our own creations and their impacts.

Conclusion: Rethinking "Unnatural"

At the heart of the question is a challenge to our understanding of what it means to be human and to be part of the natural world. If we acknowledge that humans are naturally creative and adaptive beings, then perhaps we should start to view our inventions not as "unnatural" but as a continuation of the natural process of evolution. After all, we are products of this same process, and so too are our creations.

As we look to the future, perhaps it's time to shed our fear of the "unnatural" and instead focus on ensuring that our innovations are aligned with the natural world, using our creativity to build a more harmonious relationship with the Earth. Because, in the end, what we call "unnatural" might just be another step in the ongoing journey of life—one that began long before humans and will continue long after us.

With our intellectual superiority comes a heavy responsibility: to care for our planet, climate, and resources. After all, we are not just part of nature; we are the stewards of it. Is anything truly unnatural if we are, by definition, part of nature? The real question might be how we use our intelligence to ensure that what we create serves the planet, rather than undermining it.