Much of the coal we have is because ancient trees weren't biodegradable. It would just build up because nothing could eat it for quite a long time. Nature also has a waste stream problem.
Not at all, that "waste" was safe and stable where it was. We try to get it all out and ignite it because it's easier and cheaper than using the sun's energy directly. That ignition and corresponding sudden release in the atmosphere is what's causing issues.
I think that is to say nature had a waste problem. Nowadays things all get eaten and recycled back in
More accurately, one Department of nature (Arbors) out-developed another (Decomposers) through the development of lignin.