the metaphysics of green

Is there an underlying ultimate reality which the material world merely covers like an old blanket?

I watch this: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1732009010723681488&hl=en

And read this: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/14/science/14tier.html?em&ex=1187323200&en=2590af4760a81047&ei=5087%0A

And I wonder about the primary imperatives that motivate us forward in this linear timescape we call life.

Is life a tragedy or comedy?