Loss of Biodiversity

The interuption of humans in wildlife has been a common occurance since the beginning of human existence. The people and mass hunting/fishing/production of goods has greatly harmed the biodiversity of vital ecosystems in the world. Pollution, fishing, and deforestation are the leading causes of the loss of biodiversity. Pollution- Pollution accounts for the dangerous death of low plant life and a large percentage of marine life. whent the pollution kills the marine life, those that are able to exist in more extreme situations.

Fishing- The industrial fishing of the oceans has possibly caused an estimate loss of 90% of the earth's large fishes, according to a recent study. The over fishing of specific species has effected more than just fish populations. The fishing of these creatures effect entire niches and can destroy animals which coexist and depend on the commercially fished fish. Deforestation- The deforestation of tropical and deciduous forests of the world has destroyed the plant biodiversity of the world. Some 12.5% of the earth's plants have become critically rare in the last century due largely in part to lumbering, slash and burning for grazing land, and the overpopulation of cattle in these areas.

The U.S. government is currently doing nothing to stop this. Mainly, the Environmental Protection Agency is keeping endangered plant and animal species on lists where the destruction of these are illegal, and one can find jail time or fines for violatio of these laws. However, the E.P.A. does not work with other commercial companies in other countries that use thes methods to create and find products. The international efforts of our government are not being used to prevent the loss of biodiversity.      We as consumers can stop purchase of exotic lumber and overfished food. Also, reduction of emissions and pollution can help tp prevent loss of biodiversity. Removal or intriduction of species into and environment can be potentially fatal to some species in a niche. Bob's Thoughts      What I strongly believe is the most important needs to be met are the introduction and removal of species from enivronments. When an animal is introduced to manage or to thrive, a niche can take years or even centuries to recover from introductions. We should discourage removal or overhunting of certain species, and in some areas, I condone reintroduction of native species. (i.e. cougars, mountain lions, grey wolf)

Source Used: http://www.globalissues.org/EnvIssues/Biodiversity

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