FREE ESSAY ON SAVING GRACE

SAVING GRACE

Saving Grace
There are some people who believe that the United States' strictly forced endangered
species laws seriously hamper our economy. I on the other hand must disagree. The
endangered species laws were created for an important reason: to protect our earth's
biological diversity. Whenever humanity interferes with the ecosystem for the purpose of
economic growth it tears it apart piece by piece. It is for reasons like these we must
have such stringent laws, as in the Endangered Species Act.
The fact of the matter is that a problem exists. Many policy-makers and forest industry
representatives argue that the current forest and wildlife conditions constitute a
"forest health crisis." (Peters, Frost, & Pace, 1999). The current crisis results from
companies who tear down forests for their own profit. By doing this not only is the
forest itself being destroyed, but the wildlife within it. Furthermore, in 1990 the EPA's
scientific research team stated that " destruction of habitats, and species extinction
are two of the four most critical global environmental issues." ("Biodiversity," 1999).
As can be seen, companies who destroy the ecosystem for economic gain are creating
irreversible problems that future laws cannot correct.
To prevent further problems from occurring we must maintain all biodiversity laws. The
basis of the laws are to protect all life, including all human life; and are crucial for
present and future generations. ("Biodiversity," 1999). The federal government has taken
charge of this situation, most notably through its endangered species protection efforts.
("Biodiversity," 1999). This has become a controversial, but necessary step in protection
our ecosystem and all of the valuable resources it has to offer.
Understanding those environmental issues are subjects of disagreement arising from
different perspectives and values; the controversy of economic gain verse ecological
conservation is not easily settled. I support wildlife preservation to prevent
extinction. I believe without these laws that we as humans will suffer greatly, because
we would be unable to reap the benefits of the ecosystem. Furthermore I agree with the
congressional findings that"…various species of fish, wildlife, and plants have
been rendered extinct as a consequence of economic growth and development untempered by
adequate concern and conservation."(O'Laughlin, 1998).
In conclusion the benefit to humanity of preserving the environment ensuring that
biodiversity is monitored and cannot be destroyed. Humans are a part of the natural world
and as such we must strive to connect with it. The continued loss of natural habitat
disconnects us from this world and decreases out awareness of nature. Humans are the
guardians of this world and all of its natural beauty; therefore, we must protect it at
all costs.
Bibliography
O'Laughlin, Jay. "The Political Economy of Endangered Species Conservation." Electronic
Green Journal 
9. December 1998. (31 Sept. 2000)
Peters, Frost, and Felice Pace. "Managing for Forest Ecosystem Health." Defenders of
Wildlife. 1999. 
(31 Sept. 2000)
"Saving Biodiversity: A Status Report on State Laws, Policies, and Programs." Defenders
of Wildlife. 
1999. (31 Sept. 2000)