There is no such thing as a 'self-made' man. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the make-up of our character and of our thoughts, as well as our success.
If we want to tackle climate change, we will have to treat non-living things with higher care and respect if not equal. We have to remember that non-living things are as essential as living beings to maintain the balance in the ecosystem.