But if one takes a completely objective viewpoint, what makes humans special? We’re no different than beavers who make damns and flood a river. Sure we do it on a larger scale but are we any less “natural” than any other species? Keep in mind the fact we “care” is irrelevant and no more important than a beavers urge to build a damn. It’s all driven by genetics.

I mean oxygen producing single called organisms drastically altered the environment. They were not conscious to actually notice, but we are. But tons of species went extinct and the earth was irrevocably changed due to their presence.

Thinking humans are special on the cosmic timescale is just arrogance.

If it's just a question of numbers, we should prioritize the survival of ants over our own. Not a good argument.

Unless there are aliens around, there won't be any "many" left after humanity goes extinct - at least not until another sapient species evolves.