I refuse to buy into the idea that ecological destruction is benelovent because we couldn't otherwise support such a drastic level of poverty and inequality.

The same argument could be made for rainforest deforestation, saying it's a good thing because it's feeding the poor!

Nonsense, tax the externality and then give back and support the worst affected through taxation or aid if needed. Inequality is at a record high, perhaps it wouldn't be so high if we made everything more expensive and then taxed the rich to pay for it.