Personal Environmental Ethics

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 tough laws, as in the Endangered Species Act. The fact of the matter is that a problem still exists today. 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 only 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. 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 intemperate by adequate concern and conservation (O'Laughlin, 1998).

In conclusion the benefit to humanity of preserving the environment