Do you think humanity was thinking about or mitigating the impact when they were decimating woodland to build houses, transport & boats in the 14th century and beyond?
Of course not, however we have learnt and we try and turn things around but yes, amazingly, a 400 year old habitat probably takes 400 years to re-establish.
The problem exists when the damage is not acknowledged and mitigated.
Take a look at those far off lands with no mitigation from clearance but as long as 2 Avocado's are only £1.99 in Waitrose the vegan yoghurt knitters are happy.