My attitude towards the environment can best be described as a balanced state of almost total apathy. While I understand the importance of environmental conservation and that natural resources are limited and dwindling every day, the simple fact is that I won't be alive long enough to reap any benefits of actions I might take towards its protection. Is that selfish? A little. But my time here is limited, and I'd rather spend it on things that will have meaning during my lifetime.
If I had to choose, I supposed the greatest environmental concern for me is the high output of greenhouse gases (read: "hot air") pouring out of the capital every day. Ha! Politics! Speaking seriously, all of my favorite things are at least tangentially powered by natural gas, so that's a biggie for me.
The list of environmental issues I don't care about is long and eloquent, yet carries a sort of unnatural gracelessness akin to the sight of a young child attempting to use silverware. I don't care about global warming, I don't care about animals, I care very little about the rainforest (trees in general, really).
I think other people should care - scientists, engineers and biologists who can all make legitimate long-term contributions should care. Common men and women, who consider recycling or planting trees to be any sort of real contribution to the cause, should go about their lives and focus on contributing to the now.
In regards to the current threats to our environment, they should be researched and prepared against. Other than that, it's best for most people to do nothing. Otherwise, if at all possible, Captain Planet should be hired to take care of it.
I live in Wisconsin and I'm tired of seeing the same tree every six feet. This has caused me to grow bored of trees and develop a unique form of resentment towards them. I am therefore wholly for complete global deforestation. If mankind's breathing suffers, so be it, but damn I hate trees.