What is biodiversity? This is what dictionary.com states about the term biodiversity, “the diversity of plant and animal life in a particular habitat (or in the world as a whole); a high level of biodiversity is desirable.”
In North America (Canada, United States, and Mexico) there is a growing concern of losing natural habitat. The article states from an environmental report, “Half of North America’s most biologically diverse areas were severely degraded.” Many of the businesses in North America are depleting the land, along with affecting the environment and its animal species with at least 235 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians becoming threatened. Fresh water species are the most at risk due to their habitat being taken away or polluted by dams, and physical barriers.
Why is there a lose of Biodiversity?
The main reasoning for this loss of biodiversity is due to the three North American nations not coming together and coordinate efforts to have a working program that deals with environmental issues like cross-border habitats, non-native species, and shared migratory species and water resources. When we affect natural resources from our farming, mining, and fishing industries we should try and replace what we take, or at least fix what we destroy. What we do (dams, taking more water than can be replaced) affects the habitats of local animals.
My thoughts on how to solve declining Biodiversity
With the help of advocacy organizations we can try and educate the public along with the government to make changes in how we affect the natural world. If we take something it should be replaced. When we cut down a tree it should have a seedling planted to replace it. If there is an industry in the business of taking resources, than it should either have a limit on how much of their natural resource they can take, and/or if it is possible the industry should replace what it takes out of the environment.
Discussion Question
How can the countries of North America work together to keep the natural resources abundant?
Hint: Over usage of fresh water, and natural resource industries are the main contributors to taking and not giving to the environment.
The Two Sides of the Story
This is why we need to have biodiversity
Potato Famine
How industry and the natural ecosystem can co-exist
Water management centers can help to keep water levels up, and not use natural lakes or river water for agriculture.
References
biodiversity. (n.d.). WordNet® 3.0. Retrieved February 23, 2009, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/biodiversity
Posts
Kevin,
ReplyDeleteThat's a good idea to have rules on how much can be taken and also that if something is taken from the environment it should be replaced. I don't know how you do that with water though.
I guess I always thought they had to replace what they took. It seems like it would be common sence. I also think the rules you suggested would be very helpful.
ReplyDeleteKevin-
ReplyDeleteIt seems so simple that if we all worked together, then we could move in a better direction regarding biodiversity.We may all live in seperate countries, but we all share the same earth.