Is speciesism and human indifference toward other living beings justified, or is it more correct to adopt an environmentalist stance? Are fauna and flora merely objects and resources, or sentient beings that deserve to live and be happy?

Humans aren't particularly indifferent or cruel toward other living things, as a whole I'd argue humans are irrationally compassionate, to the point that it actually hinders evolutionary advantages.

>>17858883 (OP)
One life must end so that another's can continue on.
It becomes a matter of choice in humans who have escaped the constraints of mere survival. Ideally the most meaningful choices are carried out rather than looking at the landscape of death as flat and arbitrary.

I personally think that conditions of animals are often crueler than need be. But some people believe the pain of animals doesnt matter because we are a higher species.
No doubt if a higher intelligent race of aliens tried to harvest us those people would change their opinion quick