I would suggest that our real role as stewards on the Earth is more like that of the proud trades union functionary, the shop steward. We are not managers or masters of the Earth, we are just shop stewards, workers chosen because of our intelligence, as representatives for the others, the rest of life on our planet. Our union represents the bacteria, the fungi, the slime moulds and invertebrates, as well as the nouveau riche fish, birds, reptiles and mammals and the landed establishment of noble trees and their lesser plants. Indeed, all living are members of our union and they are angry at the diabolical liberties taken with their planet and their lives by people. People should be living in union with the other members, not exploiting them and their habitats. When I see the misery we inflict upon them and upon ourselves, I have to speak out as a shop steward. I have to warn my fellow humans that they must learn to live with the Earth in partnership, otherwise the rest of creation will, as part of Gaia, unconsciously move the Earth itself to a new state, one where humans may no longer be welcome.