Environmental Biodiversity, Conservation Laws, and Ecosystem Management

Insects

The most numerous living species, contributing massively to ecosystems and biodiversity.

Species extinction frequency

Extinction is a natural process currently happening at an accelerated rate due to human activities.

Current contributors to extinction

Habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, overharvesting, and climate change.

IUCN classifications

Categories like Least Concern, Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, Extinct in the Wild.

Goal of the Endangered Species Act (ESA)

Protect all species regardless of their usefulness to humans.

Species recovery plan

Aims to increase populations to sustainable levels.

Leading cause of continued trade in endangered species

Demand for traditional medicines, luxury goods, and status symbols (e.g., rhino horns).

Significance of invasive species

Cause major ecological disruption by outcompeting natives (e.g., Burmese python in Florida, emerald ash borer).

Keystone species

Critical role in ecosystem function (e.g., American bison).

Flagship species

Charismatic species that inspire conservation (e.g., bald eagle).

Indicator species

Signal ecosystem health (e.g., amphibians in forests).

Ecological diversity

Variety of species, habitats, and ecological processes in an ecosystem.

Biodiversity hotspots

Areas with high species diversity and endemism, like tropical moist forests.

Greatest species diversity

Found in tropical regions, important for ecosystem services and human benefits like medicine and climate regulation.

Ecosystem/ecological services

Benefits humans receive from nature (e.g., pollination, water purification).

HIPPO/HIPPCO acronym

Causes of species loss: Habitat destruction, Invasive species, Pollution, Population growth, Overharvesting, Climate change, Others.

Debt-for-nature

Agreements where debt is forgiven in exchange for conservation commitments.

Monocultures advantages

Advantage: High yield and easy management.

Monocultures disadvantages

Disadvantage: Low biodiversity, vulnerable to pests/disease.

Habitat fragmentation

Isolates populations; corridors connect habitats allowing safe movement.

Wood forest products US vs. China

China produces and consumes large amounts of wood; US produces less but consumes more.

Significance of old growth forests

Critical for biodiversity, carbon storage, and ecosystem stability.

Wood production vs. consumption

Developed countries consume much more wood than they produce.

Scientists worried about tropical forest loss

Tropical forests have high biodiversity and are vital for global climate regulation.

Forest management

Balancing timber harvest with conservation and restoration.

Wildfire management

Fire suppression has altered ecosystems; controlled burns and understanding fire ecology are needed.

Desertification

Expansion of deserts mainly at desert margins due to overgrazing, deforestation, and climate factors.

Rangelands and grazing laws

Grazing on public lands managed by Bureau of Land Management; grazing fees have changed little due to political pressures.

2010 Supreme Court rulings on lobbying

Affected the regulation of political contributions and lobbying efforts.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

Requires Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for major federal projects to assess environmental consequences.

CERCLA (Superfund)

Provides funds and authority to clean up hazardous waste sites.

US tuna harvesting ban and WTO review

The ban on dolphin-unsafe fishing methods pressured nations to improve practices but faced trade challenges.

Importance of ESA globally

Influences international species protection efforts.

Steps of policy making in the U.S.; riders

Agenda setting, proposal development, building support, implementation, evaluation.

Riders

Additional provisions attached to bills often unrelated to the main issue.

Types of law

Criminal: violation of laws punishable by fines/jail.

Civil

Disputes between individuals/entities, usually financial penalties.

Tort

Civil wrongs causing harm.

SLAPP

Lawsuits to silence critics.

Federal agency managing public lands and national parks

Department of the Interior.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Enforces environmental laws, regulates pollution, protects human health.

Important environmental laws

Clean Water Act: Regulates water pollution. Clean Air Act: Regulates air pollution. Marine Protection Act: Controls ocean dumping. Safe Drinking Water Act: Protects drinking water quality. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA): Manages hazardous waste.