Summary
The topic of endangered species has become a very contentious and polarizing issue. For one, endangered species are becoming much more frequent due to issues related to globalizations, deforestation, economic expansion, and pollution. The topic of endangered species also has been relegated tertiary issue as many consumers often do not recognize it as an issue to be addressed. With little to no fanfare or media attention, more endangered species are now becoming extinct. Currently over 200 and 2000 extinctions occur every year. With over 2 million species on the earth, a casual observer would believe this to be insignificant. However, in recent years, the extinction numbers have rapidly increased, with 2020 alone seeing roughly 4,500 species going extinct. This is a very important issue as once a species is gone, there is no way to get the species back within the ecosystem. This deprives the ecosystem and humans of their ability to view, observe, interact, and even leverage the species for the benefit of the planet (Archibald, 2014).
Why you chose this issue
The need to protect endangered species is a very important element to human civilization. For one, endangered species may hold the cure to deadly diseases or viruses. For example, certain animals have certain elements or characteristics that can be very critical to stopping the spread of disease across the world. As we have realized with COVID-19, although infrequent, disease can spread rather rapidly and in a manner that is unpredictable. Animals cures have been leveraged by society for generations. With nearly 2000 extinctions occurring every year, the ability to generate these cures is heavily diminished overtime. For example, the giant panda located in China is an endangered species on the verge of extinction. However studies at Life Sciences College of Nanjing Agricultural University in China have found that the blood of the giant panda has antibiotic properties within it. The compound is able to kill bacteria and fungi that travel throughout the bloodstream of the giant panda. This blood, if properly studied can lead to human treatments as researchers continue to understand its properties. Endangered horse species have provided humans with clues as to how to improve eyesight by studying their genome map. Squalamine, a compound found in dogfish sharks' tissue, another endangered species, has been known to help combat dengue fever and hepatitis. Researchers are even using rare porcupine quills to help created surgical tools and other medical devices to help penetrate human skin and internal organs better.
I chose this issue as it is important for human civilization to help protect these endangered species from becoming extinct. By doing so, they are in a better position to not only protect the species but also help to improve the overall livelihood of society in the future. The benefits derived from a reduction of disease, ailments, and other illnesses due to research on these animals is a benefit to society. In addition, allowing these species to go extinct could eventually disrupt the overall food chain and have compounding impacts. Here, there is a potential for other species to become endangered as the compounding effect of a species becoming extinct ripples through the ecosystem. Likewise the ability to simply observe, watch, and enjoy these animals within a natural setting enhances the overall quality of life of humans as well.
This topic is therefore very important, and it appears society overall has a misunderstanding as to its implications for society. I find it interesting that the sustainability movement does not have a more profound emphasis on the sustainability of species and wildlife. In many instances, the topic of the Environment is often used...
…therefore adversely impact the overall economy and those who jobs depend on animal-based products (Flannery, 2001).What has been done/is being done regarding issue/problem
A number of political, business and community initiatives are currently underway. To combat global warming governments around the world have committed to reducing CO2 emissions. They have imposed a carbon tax on auto manufacturers to help encourage the production of electric vehicles. Consumers looking to protect the environment are often willing to pay premium prices in order to purchase these vehicles using government tax incentives. Governments in countries with large natural resources have committed to preserving their forests and reducing deforestation. Brazil for example has enacted tough legislation to stop illegal deforestation within their country. Likewise, China has committed to being Carbon Neutral by 2060, by heavily reducing its reliance on coal. The United States congress has passed the endangered species act to help imperiled species and their ecosystems. From these behaviors it appears the world is taking climate change, the environment, and the endangered species its impacts seriously.
Potential solutions and outlook for the issue
The potential solutions have allbe detailed in the section above. However, continue resources must be devoted to these causing on a long-standing basis. Governments for example, should continue to encourage use of renewable energy sources to reduce the economic reliance on petroleum-based products. This in turn will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants that impact ecosystems. Likewise, consumers should continue to purchase and support environmentally friendly and sustainable products and services. Many consumers are engaging in activities that help the environment and endangered species such as recycling, advocating for higher business standards, and volunteering to help provide labor for needed environmental organizations. Finally, businesses are getting involved and committing to being carbon neutral. As a result, the outlook on the issue appears very promising.
Literature…
Bibliography
1. Archibald, J. David. Aristotle’s Ladder, Darwin’s Tree: The Evolution of Visual Metaphors for Biological Order. New York: Columbia University Press, 20142. Baione, Tom, ed. Natural Histories: Extraordinary Rare Book Selections from the American Museum of Natural History Library. New York: Sterling Signature, 20123. Flannery, Tim and Peter Schouten. A Gap in Nature: Discovering the World’s Extinct Animals. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2001
Endangered Species Act Most people are familiar with the Endangered Species List which is a document that shows various fish, birds, mammals, and other creatures that are in danger of extermination from the face of the Earth. The lists served the purpose of ensuring that the government would do whatever was necessary to stop this from happening. When the Endangered Species Act was first envisioned, the idea was that creating a
S. Fish and Wildlife, 2004). Since the Shortnose Sturgeon is protected on Federal property, this agreement does not pertain. There is no Candidate Conservation Agreement for the Shortnose Sturgeon because there is no development of proposed listing regulation precluded by other higher priority listing activities, which is a mandatory element of its initiation. Economically, the Shortnose Sturgeon is a very marketable and saleable food product. The fish is very popular and
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It highlights administrative roadblocks to program effectiveness. This research is an unbiased report made to the House of Representatives. It clearly demonstrates that much work in needed to from a policy and funding perspective to make the program better in line with its intended purpose. Neil, M. (2008). New Regulations Threaten Parts of Endangered Species Act. ABA Journal. 12 August 2008. Retrieved 6 December 2008 at http://abajournal.com/news/new_regulations_threaten_parts_of_endangered_species_act/ This article highlights a
endangered species' means any species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range other than a species of the Class Insect a determined by the Secretary to constitute a pest whose protection under the provisions of this Act would present an overwhelming and overriding risk to man." A threatened species "means any species which is likely to become an endangered species within
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