I find the the historic argument to be not so great, when trying to argue the current state of the world. In the 1950s we "managed" 5% child mortality rate (in developed countries). Trees are not kids, but the point is: If something has not changed for a few decades, that's probably something you would want to look at and see what can be improved.

Granted though, leaf blowers ain't it. We are way too lenient regarding noise pollution.